31 August 2014
The Bianconeri’s Champions League Group A rivals Atletico Madrid recorded their first win of the new La Liga campaign on Saturday night but were made to sweat by a plucky Eibar outfit at the Vicente Calderon.
Widely tipped to open their home campaign with a flourish against newly-promoted opposition, Diego Simeone’s men kept to the script by racing into a two-goal lead inside 25 minutes through Brazilian defender Miranda and summer signing Mario Mandzukic.
But a fine right-footed finish from Abraham Minero brought the visitors back into the encounter ahead of the break and their resurgence carried on into the second-half, when Boveda and Angel both spurned good opportunities to silence the home crowd in the latter stages.
Despite a nervy finish, the title defenders hung on to ensure Simone celebrated his 100th La Liga match in the Atletico dugout with a victory.
Over in Greece, Olympiacos made it four points from their first two league clashes of the season courtesy of a 1-1 away draw against Panaitolikos.
Following last week’s 3-1 home victory over Niki Volos, the reigning Greek champions appeared on course to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season when Pajtim Kasami put them ahead two minutes after the interval.
But their solitary goal ultimately proved too slender a lead at the Stadio Panetolkou, with Panaitolikos defender Georgios Kousas popping up 12 minutes from time to break Olympiacos hearts and earn his team their first point of the campaign.
