On Monday, an inspired Atletico Madrid destroyed Rayo Vallecano 7-0, with midfielders Saul Niguez and Rodrigo de Paul each contributing two assists and substitute Alvaro Morata scoring twice.
Antoine Griezmann and Memphis Depay scored close-range goals to give Atletico a 2-0 lead early on, and Nahuel Molina added to that advantage on a counterattack in the 36th minute.
In the second minute, Griezmann scored a close-range volley off a De Paul pass.
Two minutes later, Depay nearly increased Atletico’s lead, but custodian Stole Dimitrievski expertly denied him with a point-blank shot.
After Saul sent a low cross, the Dutch striker knocked it in from just within the six-yard box in the 16th minute to give his team the lead. A few minutes after he damaged his leg, Dapay had to be replaced. Molina then received a pass from De Paul, who finished skillfully to beat Dimitrievski.
In the second half, Morata, who had come on for Depay, scored twice, and Angel Correa hit the crossbar with an exquisite dipping shot. As a rampaging Atletico ripped apart their rivals to clinch a second victory in three games this season, Marcos Llorente also scored.
“We played a great game, with joy and a lot of intensity from the start,” Griezmann told Movistar Plus.
“The first goal gave us peace of mind and we earned three very important points. Let’s rest and think about the next one now.”
With seven points, Atletico is tied for second place in the LaLiga standings with Barcelona and Girona. Rayo is in eighth place with six points, two points behind Real Madrid, the team in first.
