BARCELONA: In-form Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann struck twice to earn a comfortable 2-0 derby victory over toothless visitors Getafe on Tuesday, helping his side take the overnight lead of La Liga.

The France striker, who is developing into a talisman for Atletico, got the hosts off to the perfect start after five minutes and then sealed the three points from Jackson Martinez’s stoppage time pass with his fifth goal in six games in all competitions.

“Griezmann is in a very good moment,” coach Diego Simeone said. “He has grown incredibly and is a very important player for this team.”

Atletico have 12 points from five games, having only dropped points against Barcelona who have a 100 percent record from four games and have a game in hand along with third-placed Real Madrid, with 10 points from four matches.

Valencia’s dismal start to the season continued as they lost 1-0 at Espanyol, with Victor Alvarez scoring in the first half. They are eighth with six points after one win and three draws.

Valencia’s most disgruntled fans were already calling for coach Nuno Santo Espirito to be fired after his team drew their last league game.

Elsewhere, Imanol Agirretxe’s hat-trick gave Real Sociedad a 3-0 win at Granada, their first victory of the season which put them on five points from five games.—Agencies

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2015

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