Atletico are getting back in groove

Madrid, Sept. 26: Atletico Madrid are finally finding their groove in La Liga and just in time for a city derby against Real Madrid after they strolled to a 3-0 win over newly-promoted Huesca on Tuesday.

One victory from their opening four league games left Atletico seven points adrift of Barcelona a fortnight ago but three on the spin have now steered Diego Simeone’s side back on track.

This was as routine a three points as they come at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Antoine Griezmann scored early in the first half before going off early in the second, along with partner Diego Costa.

Thomas Partey and Koke added numbers two and three before the interval as Atleti climb to third. Huesca drop to 18th.

Griezmann and Costa jogging off with half an hour to spare was the dream scenario for Simeone, particularly given Real Madrid already have one day less rest ahead of Saturday’s grudge match at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real’s assignment against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Wednesday is likely to be far more demanding too.

Huesca’s fate in their debut campaign in the top flight, will be decided against worse teams than Atleti, and probably at home.

A sweeping spell of possession ended with Angel Correa slipping Costa through in the penalty area. Later, he pulled back for Griezmann to finish the rest of the things.

— AFP