Angel Correa scored twice as Atletico Madrid put a midweek Champions League defeat behind them with a 2-1 win over Girona.
Atleti were beaten 2-0 by surprise package Club Brugge on Tuesday, but they responded with a LaLiga victory at the Civitas Metropolitano four days later
Correa marked his second LaLiga start of the season with an early goal set up by Antoine Griezmann, who played from the off after Barcelona boss Xavi confirmed an agreement had been reached over a permanent move for the France international.
A Juan Carlos howler gifted Correa his second, and although loanee Rodrigo Riquelme pulled a goal back against his parent club, Diego Simeone’s side held on for all three points, helped by Jan Oblak’s fine goalkeeping.
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Griezmann missed a penalty in the defeat at Brugge, but he set about making amends by delivering a pinpoint cross from the left that was converted by Correa at the back post in the fifth minute.
Girona showed a positive response to going behind, Oriol Romeu having a shot blocked by Axel Witsel before Yangel Herrera scooped over the crossbar from inside the penalty area.
Matheus Cunha was denied by Girona goalkeeper Carlos after Griezmann played him in with a clever pass, and Herrera headed just wide at the other end on the stroke of half-time.
Carlos then gifted Correa a second goal with a casual pass that the Argentina forward cut out before applying a simple finish.
Carlos got down well to keep out Nahuel Molina’s effort at his near post after a brilliant Yannick Carrasco pass opened up the Girona defence.
Riquelme gave the promoted side a deserved lifeline with a long-range drive midway through the second half.
Girona continued to pose a threat and Oblak superbly tipped a rasping Aleix García drive against the post and denied the same player with another brilliant save, as Atleti held on under late pressure.
What does it mean? Relief for Simeone
Simeone has come under fire from certain quarters after a third loss in four matches at the hands of Brugge left his side bottom of their Champions League Group.
He left Alvaro Morata on the bench as Correa was given a chance this time, and although Atleti were fortunate to win back-to-back LaLiga matches following a 2-0 victory at Sevilla, they clung on to go fourth. Girona will feel hard done by, but it was a lapse from Martin that cost them.
Griezmann makes up for lost time
Griezmann has spent the majority of the season on the bench, with Atleti trying to avoid triggering a clause over the number of minutes he plays which would have required them to pay €40million to sign him permanently next year.
With a deal reportedly worth €19.9m now seemingly agreed, the forward showed why Atleti will be delighted to be keeping him for a reduced fee. He made three key passes and put a big shift in before being replaced just before Riquelme’s goal.
Correa stakes his claim
Correa has also been a frustrated spectator but made a big impact in his first start for almost a month. His only previous goal this season came in the other match he started against Celta Vigo, and he will surely be asking questions if he does not keep his place in the side.
What’s next?
Atleti really need to exact revenge on Brugge when they meet in Madrid on Wednesday, while Girona are at home to Cadiz next Saturday.
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