Viktoria Plzen 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Prochazka winner steals top spot for hosts

Viktoria Plzen stunned 10-man Atletico Madrid to steal top spot in Group B of the Europa League with a 1-0 victory at the Stadion města Plzně on Thursday evening.

The game-winning goal was scored midway through the first half, as Vaclav Prochazka took advantage of some poor defending to stab the ball into the net from close range.

Atletico was rarely in it, as it was bettered for large periods of the encounter. Diego Costa would compound the misery with a red card in the 90th minute as Atleti ultimately suffered its second European defeat in three games following a 15-game winning run in the competition.

The Czech side started favorably in below-freezing conditions, as it carved out the first real chance of the game. Frantisek Rajtoral skipped past his marker with ease, before sending a lofted ball into the box, as Marek Bakos headed somewhat tamely at Sergio Asenjo.

Viktoria did take the lead though, a testament to its comfortable opening in the Czech Republic. Atletico failed to mark Vladimir Darida's inswinging corner adequately, with Prochazka latching on to a deflection to fire home after 26 minutes and seal his first goal in European competition.

The Spanish side was struggling to penetrate a resolute Viktoria defense, though when the chance presented itself, Simeone's men just couldn't capitalize. Radim Reznik allowed Diego Costa to expertly control a through ball in space, though his angled effort was well saved by Kozacik as the first half ended in the hosts' favor.

Atletico did demonstrate signs of resurgence, as Simeone opted to bring on Koke, and within seconds, the 20-year-old had a telling impact as he evaded the challenge of Reznik, before launching a fierce strike which only just cleared Kozacik's bar.

Pedro Martin bundled in an equalizer with a minute to play, before the goal was ruled out due to a foul in the build-up. In the ensuing aftermath, Diego Costa was shown a red card for pushing over a player as Simeone's side ensured it would be a night to forget.

Viktoria would hold on to seal the victory which would confirm it as the Group B winner, one point ahead of Atletico, with the draw for the last 32 scheduled for next Friday.