Felix strikes as Atletico brush aside Villarreal

Madrid, Feb. 24: Atletico Madrid followed up their surprise win over Liverpool by beating Villarreal in La Liga on Sunday as Joao Felix marked his return from injury with a first league goal since September.

Felix came off the bench at the Wanda Metropolitano after almost a month out with an ankle problem and the 20-year-old looked refreshed as he drove in Atletico’s third in an impressive 3-1 victory.

Kieran Trippier was also back after recovering from a groin injury and he was involved in Atletico’s second goal as Koke headed in.

Angel Correa had earlier cancelled out Paco Alcacer’s strike for Villarreal. Atletico’s inconsistency this season means they are out of the title race, 12 points adrift of leaders Barcelona, who thrashed Eibar 5-0 on Saturday.

SEVILLA BOOST TOP FOUR HOPES Sevilla delivered a huge boost to their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League by winning 3-0 away at top-four rivals Getafe, for their first victory in six matches.

A poor run of form had threatened to kill Sevilla’s chances of securing a place in Europe’s premier tournament but they dismantled usually solid Getafe with goals from Lucas Ocampos, Fernando Reges and Jules Kounde.