perfect debut for Atlético in Getafe, Griezmann goalscorer

A brace from returning but possible starter Alvaro Morata and a goal from Antoine Griezmann gave Atletico Madrid a 3-0 win at neighboring Getafe on Monday in La Liga opener.

Another key man of the match, the Portuguese Joao Felix was their passer on the three goals. What a perfect start for Diego Simeone’s team, temporarily in charge of La Liga with Villarreal, before Betis-Elche in the evening.

Returning to the club this summer following his loan spell at Juventus, Morata confirmed he was in great form a week after his hat-trick in a friendly against his former club. Enough to convince Atletico a little more to keep him while Manchester United covets the Spanish center forward.

Antoine Griezmann has found his way back to the nets after a long drought. The Frenchman had not scored with the Rojiblanco club since January 6 in the King’s Cup. His last La Liga goal even dated back to November 2021.

For this inaugural meeting, Diego Simeone had lined up his defensive rookies Nahuel Molina and Axel Witsel from the start, but left his strikers Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa on the bench. In their absence, the duo formed by Alvaro Morata and Joao Felix first provided the show.

Joao Felix triple passer

Morata has concluded a very nice collective action initiated by Thomas Lemar. The French midfielder armed for Saul, who relied on Joao Felix, who served Morata for the opener (15th).

Already worried by a recovery on the crossbar of Borja Mayoral before the break (41st), Atletico was a little jostled at the start of the second period. But on the hour mark, Morata, again launched by Felix, doubled the bet (59th). Entering a minute after this goal, Griezmann completed this success with a low strike at the entrance to the area, after a new opening from Felix (75th).

With this big victory against a candidate for maintenance, Atletico, third last year, was more convincing than its competitors for the title. Real Madrid, outgoing champions and recent winners of the European Super Cup, snatched a 2-1 victory at promoted Almeria on Sunday, while FC Barcelona were hooked 0-0 by Rayo Vallecano on Saturday at Camp No.

At the end of the afternoon, Athletic Bilbao were held 0-0 at home by Mallorca for the return of Ernesto Valverde. The 58-year-old coach, who has already served twice for the Basque club, had to settle for a draw against a club aiming to maintain.

Eighth in La Liga last season, Athletic confirmed their difficulty in scoring as in their last seasons, even if the Basques had several chances, coming up against Mallorcan goalkeeper Pedrag Rajkovic. In the evening, Betis Sevilla, fifth last season, receives Elche.