Atletico on edge
RAPHAEL VARANE had a hand in two goals as Real Madrid cruised past neighbours Getafe on their return to La Liga action after the winter break.
The France defender provided the aerial challenge which led to David Soria’s own goal, and then headed in the second shortly after half-time.
Thibaut Courtois was forced to make a string of fine saves for Madrid before the visitors added a late third from Luka Modric.
The win extended Madrid’s unbeaten streak to 10 league matches.
Madrid, without the suspended Sergio Ramos, were soon relying on Courtois (below) to keep them level.
The ex-Chelsea goalkeeper produced a stunning save to parry out Mauro Arambarri’s volley from the edge of the area in the 24th minute.
Ten minutes later,
Madrid were ahead when keeper Soria, under pressure from Varane, failed to punch Ferland
Mendy’s cross clear as the ball ricocheted off his arm into the empty net.
Courtois again kept Madrid ahead at the break.
The Belgian pushed Fajr’s effort wide and then did the same to prevent Leandro Cabrera heading in the equaliser from close range.
But Madrid made it 2-0 on 53 minutes when unmarked Varane headed in Toni Kroos’ free-kick, with VAR confirming the Frenchman was onside.
Gareth Bale had a glorious chance to put the game to bed, chipping an effort straight at Soria after he was played in.
But they added a third in added time when Modric converted from Federico Valverde’s pass, condemning Getafe to just a second home league defeat this season.
Atletico Madrid 2 Levante
LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp won’t lose any sleep on the basis of Atletico Madrid’s struggle to hold off Levante yesterday.
Klopp’s new World Club champions go to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium next month in the Champions League.
Diego Simeone (above) saw his side rely on two superb late saves from Jan Oblak from Enis Bardhi to clinch a third successive La Liga win. Argentine forward Angel Correa fired Atletico ahead in the 13th minute, Roger Marti equalised three minutes later – but almost immediately a header from Felipe proved decisive.