Antoine Griezmann grabbed a goal and an assist as Atletico Madrid returned to winning ways with a 3-0 home victory over Real Valladolid in LaLiga on Saturday.
First-half goals from Griezmann, Alvaro Morata and Mario Hermoso earned fourth-placed Atletico just their second win in their last seven league games, while a fifth straight defeat for Valladolid leaves them one point above the relegation zone in 17th place.
Diego Simeone’s side took control of the game after scoring all three of their goals in a 10-minute span.
Griezmann set up Morata for the first in the 18th minute with a clever flick, before getting on the scoresheet himself with a delightfully improvised backheel goal.
The Frenchman was heavily involved in the third goal as well, finding Hermoso with a free-kick.
Hermoso’s 28th-minute header was denied by Valladolid goalkeeper Jordi Masip but the rebound fell back at his feet and the Atletico defender found the net.
The game slowed down a little in the second period as Atletico sat back and defended, while a desperate Valladolid pressed for a goal but were unable to break down their opponents.
Atletico’s new man Memphis Depay came on for the last 15 minutes for his debut, replacing Morata.
The hosts will hope to take the momentum from victory into their Copa del Rey quarter-final against city rivals Real Madrid on Thursday night, before travelling to Osasuna for a league clash on Sunday 29.
Meanwhile Valladolid, who were eliminated from the cup competition earlier this month, have eight days to prepare for their next test, a home clash against Valencia.
