Mandžukić and Griezmann lead Atlético to victory

Atlético Madrid took advantage of FC Barcelona’s defeat as they beat UD Almería 3-0 at the Estadio Vicente Calderón to cut the gap in the fight for second place in the Liga BBVA.

It was a convincing display from Atlético in front of their home crowd, who were able to celebrate three goals with their team in the first half. Mario Mandžukić it was who stepped up to put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot after a foul on Diego Godín. And, far from bouncing back from this, Almería then conceded two more, Antoine Griezmann grabbing both to leave his side on course for the win.

With Atlético firmly in the driving seat, their intensity dropped in the second half. This led to some attacking openings for Almería, with Miguel Ángel Corona trying his luck but seeing his effort just off target as the deficit remained unchanged. The result sees los rojiblancos cement third position, three points behind second-placed Barcelona.