Griezmann fires Atletico level with Barcelona

Atletico Madrid moved level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona after Antoine Griezmann ’ s second - half penalty was enough to see off Espanyol 1 - 0 on Saturday.

Griezmann smashed home from the spot 10 minutes after the break to give Diego Simeone ’ s side three points from a hard - fought match with mid-table Espanyol that extends Atletico ’ s unbeaten league run to 14 matches .

They stay second but move alongside Barca on 34 points , although the Catalans will have the chance to re -establish their three - point lead at the top of the league when they host Celta Vigo later on Saturday.

The 27 - year- old Griezmann , who missed out on a Ballon d’ Or despite winning the Europa League with Atletico last season and the World Cup with France in the summer , is on a fine run of form after having saved his side with a late winner at Real Valladolid last week.