Athletic Bilbao 1-4 Atletico Madrid: Griezmann fires in hat-trick as champions storm to victory Mikel Rico gave the home side the lead after 17 minutes but Diego Simeones men responded in ruthless fashion to keep their title challenge firmly alive... Antoine Griezmann scored a hat-trick as Atletico Madridcame from a goal down to smash Athletic Bilbao4-1 at San Mames on Sunday. The former Real Sociedad man scored three goals in four La Liga games against rivals Bilbao prior to joining the Spanish champions and continued that streak as Atletico came from a goal down to end 2014 on a high. The Champions League runners-up looked set to end a famous year with disappointment as Mikel Ricos first goal of the season handed the hosts a deserved early lead. However, Ernesto Valverdes men failed to build on that in the remainder of a first half they largely dominated and were made to pay when Griezmann equalised less than a minute after the interval. A slick Atleti move ended with Juanfrans delivery, allowing the France international to head the leveller, with Raul Garcia tucking home a penalty soon after. Diego Simeone was without suspended pair Mario Mandzukic and Koke, but the lively Griezmann offered two further reminders of his quality to ensure Atletis first win in four matches and maintain pressure on Barcelona and Real Madrid above them.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 22:22:46 +0000