Goals from Alexander Sorloth, Conor Gallagher and Julian Alvarez powered Atletico Madrid to a 3-0 home win over metropolis rivals Rayo Vallecano on Thursday, strengthening their grip on third place in LaLiga.
With their league title hopes all however over after a 1-0 loss at Las Palmas, Diego Simeone’s aspect bounced again to transfer up to 66 factors, six away from fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao.
“It was a pretty entertaining match with attacking play and dangerous chances for both teams, which I’m sure we could have handled better,” coach Simeone advised reporters.
“In the second half, the team played with more order. The play that led to the third goal was exquisite.”
Sorloth opened the scoring simply three minutes in, heading home Giuliano Simeone’s cross on the far put up, and the Norwegian almost doubled his tally 4 minutes later, solely to be denied by Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.
Gallagher then rose highest to nod in a pinpoint supply from Rodrigo De Paul and double the lead shortly earlier than the break, whereas Alvarez sealed the win within the 77th minute with a tidy end from substitute Antoine Griezmann’s nice help.
“I am happy on a personal level. I try to improve every day. I don’t look at statistics,” stated striker Alvarez, who has scored 27 targets in all competitions this season.
“We have to keep working… We know it’s not easy (to win the league) we’re a long way behind in the standings. We’re focusing on ourselves.”
The guests threatened earlier than halftime and continued to press all through the second half, however efforts from Isi Palazon and Alvaro Garcia had been denied by Jan Oblak, whose sharp saves proved important in maintaining Atletico’s clear sheet.
The defeat leaves Rayo eleventh with 41 factors, 5 away from European spots.
“Despite the result, I think Rayo fans can feel proud,” Rayo ahead Palazon stated. “We lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. We had our chances. They have great goalkeeper.
“We are formidable. We present it. We have to hold going.”
Published – April 26, 2025 02:37 am IST
