In a tightly contested match on 31 August 2024, Athletic Bilbao hosted Atletico Madrid in a La Liga showdown, which ended 1-0 in favor of the away side. Atletico Madrid secured the win with a decisive goal just over one and a half minutes into the second half, marking the pivotal moment of the match. Despite having an overall balanced game with both teams having 2 corner kicks each, Atletico Madrid managed to capitalize on their opportunity.

Athletic Bilbao's disciplinary issues were evident early in the game, with three yellow cards accumulated in the first 35 minutes. The home team's aggressive style, reflected in their 13 fouls compared to Atletico's 8, disrupted their rhythm and handed momentum to Atletico Madrid. This over-aggressiveness not only resulted in multiple yellow cards but also stunted Bilbao's ability to build cohesive attacking plays.

Atletico Madrid's composure was a significant factor in their victory. Despite committing fewer fouls and receiving only one yellow card, they maintained defensive discipline and capitalized on their main scoring opportunity in the second half. Their ability to stay organized and prevent Bilbao from gaining any clear scoring chances was demonstrated by the fact that Bilbao didn’t manage to score despite pressing forward.

The offside statistics also tell a part of the story; Atletico Madrid was called offside twice compared to Bilbao's once. This reflects Atletico's forward momentum and their strategy to break Bilbao's defensive line, which ultimately paid off. Moreover, Atletico's disciplined game plan limited Bilbao to only 2 corner kicks, the same number they earned, indicating controlled and strategic defensive transitions.

Ultimately, the match was won by Atletico Madrid showing superior tactical awareness and capitalizing on Bilbao’s lack of discipline. The home side’s inability to manage their fouls and maintain organization, particularly in the first half, allowed Atletico Madrid to dominate when it mattered the most. This result highlights the importance of discipline and strategic execution in tight fixtures.

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