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Goal fiesta as top four win in Spain

Atletico Madrid came from behind on Saturday night to thrash bottom of the table Granada 7-1. Nearly 49,000 fans packed into the Vicente Calderon expecting a comprehensive victory over a side that had drawn two games in their seven La Liga outings.

Reuters/Sergio Perez
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But they were shocked when Isaac Cuenca’s spectacular volley from outside the penalty area put the visitors ahead. However a brace from Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco before half-time relieved the faithful.

The 23-year-old Belgium international completed his hat-trick 15 minutes into the second half and Nicolas Gaitan’s brace in 18 minutes turned the match into a rout. Late strikes from Angel Correa and Tiago made it a thrashing.

Granada are rooted to the foot of the table with two points having conceded 23 goals in eight matches. "The response from the team was tremendous," said Atletico boss Diego Simeone.

"I'm very happy to score three goals. It is the first hat-trick of my career," added Carrasco. "I already have many happy memories here at Atletico and hopefully I have many more to come."

Atletico have 18 points after eight games and are top on goal difference ahead of city rivals Real Madrid who ended their run of three successive La Liga draws with a 6-1 destruction of Real Betis.

France international defender Raphael Varane headed in the the opener after four minutes. Karim Benzema, Marcelo and Isco effectively ended the contest with further strikes before the pause.

After the break, it was a question of pride and damage limitation.

Alvara Cejudo restored some of the former in the 56th minute before goals from Isco and Cristiano Ronaldo undermined the quest for the latter.

"When we play with the intensity required it makes it very difficult for the opponent," said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. "We have worked on that. But we need to be consistent. This match is a reference point.”

Lionel Messi returned from a month long injury to score and give Barcelona a 4-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna.

"It was a complete performance," said Barca boss Luis Enrique. "We have Leo back and it took him no time to be back in top form."

Two goals from Rafinha and a slick Luis Suarez finish gave Barca a 3-0 lead at half-time before Messi added the gloss.

Barcelona stay fourth with 16 points, one point behind Sevilla who won 3-2 at Leganes.

 

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