Atleti bounces back with big win over Vallecano
Atletico Madrid strengthened its grip on third spot in LaLiga as it cruised to a 3-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano.
With its title hopes all but over after a 1-0 loss at Las Palmas last time out, Diego Simeone's side bounced back to move up to 66 points, six clear of fourth-placed Athletic Club.
Alexander Sorloth opened the scoring just three minutes in, heading home Giuliano Simeone's cross at the far post.
The Norwegian then nearly doubled his tally five minutes later when one-on-one with Augusto Batalla, but the goalkeeper made himself big to push it wide.
Conor Gallagher then rose highest to nod in a pinpoint delivery from Rodrigo De Paul and double the lead on the stroke of half-time.
Vallecano attempted to mount a comeback after the break, with Isi Palazon getting above his defender to thump a header at goal, but a mixture of the crossbar and Jan Oblak kept it out of the goal.
But Julian Alvarez sealed the win in the 77th minute. Antoine Griezmann made an impact off the bench, sliding it through to the Argentinian to coolly slot beyond Batalla.
The defeat leaves Rayo 11th with 41 points, five away from the European qualification spots.
