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Decision-making with the ball and the ty

  • December 6, 2019 1:50 AM EST

    MADRID, Spain -- Diego Costa and David Villa delivered again for Atletico Madrid, whose Spanish league title charge continued to gain strength Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao. Bobby Murcer Jersey . Villa enjoyed Atleticos best opportunities at the Vicente Calderon Stadium and put the hosts ahead after 32 minutes by volleying Juanfrans headed-on cross through the crowded area into goal. Nine minutes later, Koke delivered a perfect ball to Costa, who the cut back to dribble around Erik Moran and fire a low shot beyond goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz for his joint league-leading 13th goal of the season. Bilbao rarely threatened and was reduced to 10 men in the 81st when Moran was shown a second yellow. "The team showed great rhythm right from the start and from the first 15 minutes on we dominated the game," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. Atleticos 11th win in 12 rounds left it one point behind leader Barcelona, which has 34 points following its 1-0 win over Espanyol on Friday. Real Madrid, which beat Rayo Vallecano 3-2 on Saturday, is third in the standings with 28 points. "Were not frustrated that Barcelona keeps winning. Were just happy to keep competing with them after so many rounds," Simeone said. Also on Sunday, Valencia lifted some of the pressure of coach Miroslav Djukic with its first win in five rounds, a 1-0 victory at Getafe. Granada scored in stoppage time for a 1-0 win at Levante, while Malaga also needed an injury time winner from a late substitute to beat Real Betis 3-2. Costa, the Brazilian-born, naturalized Spaniard, has spearheaded Atleticos title credentials so far this season. But it was captain Gabi who first tested Iraizoz in the 18th, and the Basque goalie made an outstanding reaction save to a low drive. Costa then showed how dangerous he is when given space in front of goal as he moved freely down the left side to poke a shot past Iraizoz, but also beyond the far post. Atletico controlled a physical game and was inching closer to an opener as Iraizoz made another reaction save to deny Villas powerful half-volley in the 26th. But Iraizoz couldnt keep up with the Spanish strikers shot from almost the same spot moments later, as Villas sixth goal of the season made it 1-0. Koke has been instrumental in Costas scoring run and the Spain midfielder again set up the striker to add the second, putting him even with Cristiano Ronaldo atop the scoring chart. "Hes such a great player who is growing in every area," Simeone said of Costa, who had chances to score several more over the closing stages. "Hes getting better in every aspect, from recovering the ball, controlling it, his movement, and that is helping the team play better." Valencia had lost three straight before the game at the Alfonso Perez Stadium but an impressive first-half strike from Dorlan Pabon sealed the morale-boosting victory. The Colombian striker unleashed a powerful shot from 30 metres in the 40th minute that flew beyond goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya into the left corner. Athletic is fifth with 20 points, one more than Getafe. Levante is on 17 points, while crosstown club Valencia has 16. Levante had a penalty in the 25th, but midfielder Nabil El Zhar saw his spot kick saved by Roberto Fernandez. That left the game scoreless until Keylor Navas was beaten by Pitis free kick, although Granada teammate Manuel Iturra likely distracted the Levante goalkeeper as he stood alone between him and the defensive wall as the ball spun over and in. Meanwhile, Roque Santa Cruz and Eliseu put Malaga ahead in each half only for Joan Verdu to cancel out the opener with a 33rd-minute free kick, and Jordi Figueras to equalize again with an angled header in the 61st. But Malaga substitute Samuel Sanchez scored in the fourth minute of added time by volleying in a rebound after Francisco Portillos effort came off the crossbar. Six minutes of added time were added after Betis defender Damien Perquis was taken from the field in an ambulance after colliding with Fabrice Olinga in the 55th. Brandon Crawford Jersey .com) - NFL owners have unanimously approved the sale of the Buffalo Bills. Deion Sanders Jersey . -- Josh MacDonalds second goal of the game kept his team alive as the Peterborough Petes edged the host Kingston Frontencas 6-5 in overtime on Friday in Ontario Hockey League playoff action.NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - THE KEYS: I cant wait for the game tonight and what should be an outstanding finish to what has been an entertaining NCAA Tournament to say the least. You can catch all of the action live tonight at 8:30pm et/5:30pm pt on TSN with the pre-game show before the 9:10pm et/6:10pm pt tip-off. Here are 3 Keys for each team.  Enjoy! UCONN KEYS: 1. DOMINATE THE GUARD PLAY: Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright have been terrific so far in the tournament. Their ability to take you out of your comfort level with their tenacious defense and their ability to create and make their own shots is big. They are more experienced and, in my opinion, as talented, if not more talented, than the Harrison twins - they must dominate this match-up and frustrate the young guards. 2. REBOUNDING: Kentucky is +9 per game in the Tournament on the boards. That is a huge disparity and a big part of Kentuckys game is the second or third shot per offensive trip. UConn must neutralize this or theyll be in trouble. This is not one of UConns strengths. but theyve got to find a way to win the 50/50 battles and be physical. With the Wildcats, UConn is giving up lots of size inside. 3. DeANDRE DANIELS: After averaging 20 points and nine boards in his last three games, Daniels has to continue to be that versatilebig man for the Huskies inside and use his shot-making ability while facing the basket. Hes a tough cover and his ability to make the three-ball and lure you away from the hoop can take the Kentucky big out of their comfort zone a bit. They did a wonderful jjob stopping Wisconsins big man, Frank Kaminsky, with lots of attention. Amos Rusie Jersey. Daniels has to pick his spots, yet has to assert his game early and establish the fact that hes a guy getting lots of touches and attract the double team to open things up for teammates. KENTUCKY KEYS: 1. LATE SHOT CLOCK & GAME CLOCK SITUATIONS: The Wildcats have really impressed me with their discipline and poise in the tight situations. Decision-making with the ball and the types of plays and shots theyve been getting have been much improved over the early part of the season. Theyve been excellent at being organized and fundamentally sound on defence with a great attention to detail as the game progresses. They must continue to be sound on both sides of the ball. 2. TURNOVER MARGIN: Take care of the rock. Thats what it comes down to. Kentucky has been really steady in this regard and helped prevent run outs against their defence. They are a very good half-court defensive team that has the quickness, athleticism, size and length to frustrate opponents. You get folks into that type of game and then grind them. UConns guards want to run and create chances in open space. The fewer turnovers, the more the style of play favours you. 3. MARCUS LEE / JULIUS RANDLE / JAMES YOUNG: Energy, offensive rebounds, blocks, deflections, post scoring effort plays and paint domination are major areas that these, among many of the Kentucky young front court players, can get the upper hand over the Huskies. Beat them to the punch and be the better front court.  ' ' '