Atletico Madrid vs. Deportivo: Winners and Losers from La Liga Game
Atletico Madrid collected their third win on the trot on Sunday, defeating Deportivo La Coruna 2-0 at the Vicente Calderon.
Mario Mandzukic struck the post early on to give the visitors a scare, and Los Colchoneros finally broke through just before the half, with Saul Niguez heading home from yet another set piece. In the second half, Arda Turan sealed it with an edge-of-the-box strike.
Here, Bleacher Report picks the winners and losers from the match.
Winner: Koke, Whose Deliveries Are Exceptional
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Koke's reputation is close to worldwide now; few are unaware of his brilliance in Atletico Madrid's midfield. An underrated talent of his, though, is his fantastic set-piece deliveries, and they were on show against Deportivo.
Atletico are always at their most threatening from corners and free-kicks, and Koke's whipped balls are a big reason why. Mandzukic smashed the post early on and then flicked on another delivery for Niguez to score later.
Koke's wizardry over a dead ball is something else.
Loser: Laure, Who Was Atrocious at Right Wing-Back
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Two Juanfrans started the game on Sunday, but only one finished. Deportivo La Coruna's version pulled up with a lame hamstring early on, and in his place, Laure came on.
As soon as the switch was made, the right flank became both an area to target and one prone to high turnovers. Laure's shocking game was epitomised by a cross that went almost directly forward and out of play, under no pressure whatsoever.
When you're trying to defeat a team that is unbeaten at home in 18 months, this is hardly a positive step.
Winner: Saul Niguez, Who Staked a Claim
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A vital part of any title tilt and European challenge is depth, and Diego Simeone will have been pleased to see Saul Niguez step forward in midfield on Sunday.
The young Spaniard, who joined from Rayo Vallecano, profited from a flick-on from Mario Mandzukic in the first half to head home and give his side the lead.
"On the pitch, Saúl is withdrawn to great applause for Cebolla Rodríguez. Youngster did his chances no harm today.
— AtléticoFans.com (@AtleticoFans) November 30, 2014"
It's tough to find playing time when Gabi and Tiago are ahead of you, but Niguez is playing well when he's given the chance and giving his boss food for thought.
Loser: The Integrity of the Sport
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Unfortunately, before a ball was even kicked, the name of football took another knock.
Atletico Madrid fans clashed with Deportiva La Coruna fans ahead of kick-off, with one fan left in a "critical" condition after being thrown into a river, per Eurosport.
Deportivo fans were warned to stay in their seats after the game at the Vicente Calderon had finished, as the authorities attempted to create a safer environment for the travelling fans.
Incidents such as these truly tarnish the sport.
Winner: Jose Gimenez, Who Has Been Superb Stepping in for Miranda
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Miranda's injury, which broke up Diego Simeone's regular central defensive partnership of Miranda-Diego Godin, would usually be a cause for concern.
But luckily, Jose Gimenez has stepped in and performed admirably, clearly demonstrating how much he's learned waiting in the wings behind the formidable duo.
The Uruguayan connection between Gimenez and Godin will give Simeone a tough decision when Miranda returns.
