Atletico Madrid welcomed Levante to the Vicente Calderon on Saturday knowing that they would move top of the La Liga table if they avoided defeat.
Andreas Ivanschitz sent the away side ahead inside the first minute, but Diego Godin headed Atletico level after 30 minutes to leave the two sides on terms at the interval.
Atletico were ahead in the early stages of the second period courtesy of Diego Costa's 18th league goal of the season, but a stunner from Pedro Rios levelled the scores just before the hour mark.
The home side continued to force the issue in the latter stages, however, and found a winner 13 minutes from time when Costa converted from the penalty spot.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from the Spanish capital as Atletico Madrid welcome Levante. As mentioned, the home side sit level on points and goal difference with league leaders Barcelona and would therefore top the table at the end of the evening if they can avoid defeat at the Vicente Calderon.
Levante enter the match off the back of back-to-back wins in all competitions, while they sit in 11th position in the table with 20 points. Their away record has been fairly strong this season with three wins, two draws and three defeats, but Atletico have won all eight of their league games in this stadium, scoring 30 times and conceding just four in the process.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have won three of the last five, with Levante also winning once and the further game ending in a draw. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture last season ended in a 2-0 win, but Levante did hold Atletico to a 1-1 draw on their own patch in August 2012.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO MADRID: Courtois; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis; Gabi, Koke, Tiago; Turan, Costa, Villa
LEVANTE: Navas; Navarro, Lopez, Karabelas, Vyntra; Juanfran, Diop, Simao, Garcia; Ivanschitz, Barral
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Atletico XI this evening with Arda Turan once more joining David Villa and Diego Costa in attack, but Mario Suarez is still injured. Levante, meanwhile, hand starts to David Barral and Ivanchitz in attack. Simao Junior also starts in midfield. Right, the home side get the action underway in the Spanish capital.
As expected, there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. The Vicente Calderon is a wonderful place to be at the moment. Just a reminder that if Atletico better Barcelona's result tomorrow, then they would enter the winter break top of the table. That would cap an incredible 2013 for Diego Simeone and his side.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 0-1 Levante (Ivanschitz)
Oh my word! Levante lead inside a minute as Ivanschitz bundles his way into the Atletico box before finishing in the bottom corner. Who would have expected that?! Sensational start.
It has been an extremely positive start from the away side with Ruben Garcia prepared to join Barral and Ivanschitz whenever possible. It is the Levante supporters that are making the noise at the moment. It is almost as if Atletico are not too sure what has happened. We will learn a lot about their title challenge this evening that is for certain.
First sign of Diego Costa as the Atletico striker drives to the edge of the Levante box, but he is felled by Diop. The resulting free kick is played short, but the danger is cleared. Koke has the chance to deliver a set piece from the right moments later, but Vyntra is on hand to clear the danger. I have a feeling that it could be a long night for the Levante defenders.
Levante gain a free kick of their own moments later as Miranda fells Barral outside the box. The resulting set piece is delivered by Ivanschitz, but Miranda is on hand to clear the danger. I have not seen a team attack Atletico like this on their own patch for some time. The home side just have not been allowed to start in the opening eight minutes of action.
Atletico's slow start continues as Turan drives down the left, but his pass asks too much from Villa and Levante restart play with a goal kick. Atletico usually take control of the possession within the opening five minutes or so, but that has not happened this evening.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Levante to score their second as Barral bundles his way into the Atletico box before attempting to find the top corner, but Courtois is on hand to make a stunning save. The pressure continues from the resulting corner, but Courtois manages to ease the danger with a confident claim.
Better from the home side as they enjoy a period of possession outside the Levante box before Turan delivers a cross towards the near post, but Navarro is on hand to clear the danger. The pressure continues as Turan delivers towards the far post, but Costa is beaten in the air by Pedro Lopez. Enthralling La Liga fixture with 14 minutes on the clock.
Barral continues to give Atletico problems as his presence forces Gabi to commit a foul and gain a yellow card for his troubles. There is a real sense of urgency about the home side, but they are struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. As mentioned, this will be a real test of their character and title credentials.
Half-chance for the home side as Turan delivers a wonderful cross towards Costa, but Navas just beats the striker to the ball. It has been a positive response from Atletico, but Levante remain a threat on the counter. Even at 1-0 down, you would still fancy the home side to claim all three points this evening.
Another half-chance for Atletico as Turan's deep cross is met by Villa, but Navarro manages to block at the vital moment. Miranda also has a heading opportunity from the resulting corner, but Navarro collects, before Costa curls one into the arms of the Levante goalkeeper.
Tiago is extremely lucky to remain on the field as the Atletico midfielder runs into Juanfran in an off-the-ball incident, but the referee does not spot the clash. Atletico just need to be a little bit careful here as the challenges continue to arrive. Villa is forced off to change his shirt after receiving a bloody nose, but does return to the fold moments later.
Another half-chance for the home side as Koke meets a cross from Gabi, but the Spaniard can only loop his header high and wide of the crossbar. Atletico have certainly taken control of the possession, but are finding it difficult to really threaten Navas. We have seen little from Costa and Villa inside the opening 25 minutes in the Spanish capital.
Atletico continue to pass and probe outside the Levante box, but the latest move breaks down when Juanfran loses possession down the right. Levante have the chance to deliver a deep free kick into the Atletico area moments later, but Godin takes charge of the situation. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, with Levante leading courtesy of that early strike from Ivanschitz.
Half-chance for the home side as Luis's cross causes Navas problems, but Vyntra manages to clear under pressure from Costa. Levante just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment, but they are defending in numbers. Villa strikes one from inside the box, but Navarro makes a fine block at the vital moment.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1-1 Levante (Godin)
Atletico level after 30 minutes as Godin converts Juanfran's floated cross with a powerful header. What was the centre-back doing inside the Levante box?! That is an indication of Atletico's confidence.
You just get the feeling that Levante needed to score a second during their positive spell at the start of the match. Atletico have their tails up now as they search for all three points. Just a reminder that a point would be enough to move them top of the table this evening.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico to take the lead as Costa bursts into the Levante box, but Navas is out to deny the striker at the vital moment. Levante really need to ride out this pressure in the latter stages of the first period. It is all one-way traffic at the Vicente Calderon.
Big blow for the away side as they are forced into the first change of the match with Ivanschitz, who scored the opening goal, forced off with an injury. His replacement is Pedro Rios. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining, with the two sides still level at 1-1. It has been an enthralling half of football in the Spanish capital.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Villa finds some space inside the box before curling one towards the bottom corner, but it takes a deflection before moving wide of the post. The resulting corner is taken by Koke, but Navarro clears at his near post. Can Atletico take the lead before the interval?
Another half-chance for the home side as Turan bursts down the left before delivering towards Villa, but the Spaniard just cannot make contact at the vital moment. Atletico force another corner moments later, but Turan delivers high and wide of the goal. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining.
Just a reminder that Atletico would top the table at Christmas if they can better Barcelona's result this weekend. The intensity from the home side continues as Villa forces Navas into a quick clearance, which leads to another corner. Godin has a half-chance on the volley, but his effort is high and wide from close range.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Levante to regain the lead in the latter stages of the first period as Barral breaks past the Atletico defence, but the striker can only poke his effort wide of the post under pressure from Courtois. What a moment for the away side.
HALF TIME: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Levante
So there we have it. Andreas Ivanschitz sent the away side ahead inside the first minute, but Diego Godin headed Atletico level after 30 minutes to leave the two sides on terms at the interval. The home side have bossed proceedings after a slow start, but were unable to find a second in the first 45 minutes.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 72%, while they have had seven attempts to Levante's five. Atletico certainly deserve to be on level terms, but Levante have had their moments in an open first period. Meanwhile, there have been three yellow cards with the referee forced to intervene on a number of occasions.
BENCH WATCH: Atletico have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Christian Rodriguez, Raul Garcia and Adrian Lopez. Meanwhile, Levante have the likes of Nabil El Zhar, Pinto and Angel in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Granada against Real Sociedad - be sure to remain with us for that one. Right, the away side get the second period underway in the Spanish capital. Let's hope for more goals.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I expect changes to occur if the score remains level around the hour mark in this La Liga contest. You just get the feeling that Levante need to score the next goal if they are to have a chance of taking something from this match. All-action start to the second period from the home side.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 2-1 Levante (Costa)
Atletico take the lead in the early stages of the second period as Costa thumps a left-footed volley into the bottom corner from inside the box. Stunning finish from the Brazilian-born forward.
Costa now has 18 league goals this season, which takes him above Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo in the scoring charts. Levante's plan would have been to keep it tight in the early stages of the second period, but that game-plan has been compromised already. As it stands, the home side are moving three points clear at the top of the table.
Levante just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Atletico continue to dominate possession of the ball. Costa tries his luck down the left as he rounds Navarro, but the Spaniard stands his ground inside the box. Another goal for the home side at this stage of proceedings and you would have to think that would be all three points for Atletico.
Levante have just managed to quell some of the pressure in the last couple of moments with a period of possession, but they are finding it difficult to force the issue in the final third. Atletico have a free kick on the edge of the Levante box moments later as Diop fells Costa.
The resulting set piece is taken by Villa, but his effort is straight into the wall. Poor from the Spanish international. The pressure continues from the resulting corner, but once more the danger is cleared. Levante must be praised for their defensive solidarity this evening.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 2-2 Levante (Rios)
Oh my good grief. Stunning equaliser from Levante as Rios bursts past two Atletico defenders before whipping a wonderful effort into the bottom corner. That is just about as good as it gets from the Spaniard.
What a match, just incredible. Atletico have been solid at home all season, but Levante have been prepared to attack them this evening. I would be utterly astounded if we had seen the last of the goals in the Spanish capital as both sides continue to attack. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga contest.
Atletico make their first change of the match as the experienced Spaniard Raul Garcia replaces Villa, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Atletico enjoy a period of extended possession moments later, but the latest move breaks down when Turan loses control under pressure from Juanfran. End-to-end football in the Spanish capital.
Atletico make their second change in quick succession as Adrian Lopez enters the field in place of Koke, which is surprising. Turan has not featured too heavily this evening, but remains on the field. This is a real test for Atletico in the remaining 25 minutes or so. It would be a big blow if they did not claim all three points this evening.
A point for Atletico would be enough to move them top of the table this evening, but Barcelona would regain that position with all three points in their clash tomorrow. That said, it would be a surprise if we did not see at least one more goal in this clash. Levante are not prepared to sit back, however, as they continue to commit players in the final third.
Half-chance for the home side as Gabi delivers a deep free kick into the Levante box, but Navas is out to clear under pressure from Costa. Atletico have another free kick moments later following a poor challenge from Diop on Godin, which gains the midfielder a yellow. The resulting set piece is taken by Gabi, but once more the danger is cleared.
Rios has been a real class act in the second period as the Levante midfielder beats two defenders before finding Garcia down the right, but Luis is across to clear the danger. Atletico break down the other end with Turan moments later, but the Turkish international cannot find a teammate inside the penalty area.
Half-chance for the home side as Vyntra's poor clearance falls to Tiago on the edge of the box, but his effort is deflected wide of the post. Gabi takes the resulting corner, but the move breaks down when Garcia jumps into Navas in the Levante goal. Little over 15 minutes of the second period remaining in Madrid.
Another set piece is wasted by the home side as Gabi's delivers over the crossbar. You can just sense the nervousness inside the stadium at the moment with Levante fairly comfortable with 75 minutes on the clock. Can Atletico find a winner in the remaining stages of this match? These are the matches they simply have to win if they are to fight for the title.
PENALTY TO ATLETICO!
Atletico are awarded a penalty as Juanfran is chopped down by Ruben Garcia inside the box. It is an accident, but it is a definite penalty.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 3-2 Levante (Costa, pen)
Costa missed a penalty last weekend, but he doesn't miss this time. The striker sends his side into the lead with a cool penalty into the corner of the net. He now has 19 league goals for the season.
It is harsh on Levante, but you cannot argue about the award of the penalty. Garcia is perhaps lucky to remain on the pitch, meanwhile, after fouling Juanfran having already been on a booking. Can Levante respond once more? Little over 10 minutes of football remaining at the Vicente Calderon.
Opportunity for Levante to deliver a free kick into the Atletico box as Garcia fells Diop. The resulting set piece is taken by Juanfran, but Courtois is on hand to collect. Costa battles with Vyntra down the other end, but Navas is quick off his line. Is there to be late drama at the Vicente Calderon?
The free-kick count continues to rise as Garcia fells Diop on the edge of the Atletico box once more. Ruben Garcia floats one into the box, but again it is too close to the goalkeeper. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining and Atletico lead 3-2. As it stands, they are moving three points clear at the top of La Liga.
Levante make their second change of the match as Spanish striker Angel replaces Pedro Lopez, who has put in a real shift for his side this evening. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Atletico prepared to keep possession of the ball in their own half.
Levante make their third and final change as Sergio Pinto replaces Simao. It is all or nothing for the away side at this stage of proceedings. Another free kick comes into the Atletico box, but Navarro's header is wide of the post. Little over one minute of normal time remaining. Good pressure from Levante.
RED CARD! JUANFRAN - LEVANTE
Levante are reduced to 10 men as Juanfran is dismissed for clashing with Luis inside the Atletico box. No real argument from the player.
Levante have come incredibly close to causing a real upset here, but it does appear that they will fall just short. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes as Levante continue to threaten with a series of corners, before Garcia fires high and wide of the crossbar.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Costa to score his third as he bursts into the Levante box, but the striker can only curl his effort wide of the post.
FULL TIME: Atletico Madrid 3-2 Levante
So there we have it. Atletico move three points clear at the top of the table with a 3-2 win over Levante. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Granada against Sociedad. Until then!
