GETAFE: Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata made a triumphant return to LaLiga as he scored twice to help the visitors win 3-0 at Getafe in their opening match of the season on Monday.

Substitute Antoine Griezmann scored the third goal late on and Atletico had enough chances to make the result even more comprehensive under the scorching heat.

Their inspired Portugal forward Joao Felix roamed all over the field and set up all three goals, the first of which Morata swept home from the edge of the box on 15 minutes.

Just before the hour, Felix found Morata inside the area by the far post and the Spaniard, back at Atletico after a two-year loan spell at Juventus, fired the ball into the top corner.

In the 75th minute Felix teed up Griezmann and the French striker drilled a fine shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box ensure Atletico made a winning start following the departure of Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan rejoined his boyhood club Nacional on a short-term deal in July after his contract expired at Atletico.

“I’m very happy to be back here and because it’s always good to start the season on the right foot with a win in a very difficult stadium to play in like Getafe,” Morata told Movistar Plus.

“I love playing for Atletico, I’m here to leave everything on the field, to work hard and compete. I’m confident we have a very strong group that will fight for everything we play for.”

Athletic Bilbao drew 0-0 at home to Mallorca, while Real Betis defeated 10-man Elche 3-0 to complete the opening round of fixtures in Spain.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2022