Griezmann's goals lift Atletico Madrid over Getafe in La Liga
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann struck two goals for a 2-0 win against crosstown rival Getafe on Tuesday, helping his side take the overnight lead of the Spanish league.
Griezmann continued his strong start to the season with his fourth and fifth goals in six games in all competitions. Atletico's fourth win in five rounds moved the club above Barcelona on goal differential, with both on 12 points.
The France forward put Atletico in front in the fourth minute before rounding off the victory at Vicente Calderon Stadium with a second goal in the 90th.
Elsewhere, Espanyol midfielder Victor Alvarez scored his first goal in 61 first-division appearances to down Valencia 1-0.
Barcelona can reclaim the lead at Celta Vigo on Wednesday, when a Celta victory over the defending champions would also take it top.
Griezmann's talent was enough for an otherwise uninspired Atletico.
He deftly controlled an off-target shot by Gabi Fernandez and scored from close range for the fourth-minute opener.
And after Getafe came close to an equalizer when Pedro Leon missed in the 62nd, Atletico substitute Jackson Martinez ran onto a long pass and squared the ball for Griezmann to finish.
Espanyol bossed the match in Barcelona, other than a pair of headers in each half from Valencia's Rodrigo Moreno that goalkeeper Pau Lopez did well to save.
Alvarez gave Espanyol the lead in the 18th when the forward was alone at the far post to head in a Marco Asensio free kick that was flicked on inadvertently by Valencia's Santi Mina.
Asensio, a promising forward on loan from Real Madrid, led Espanyol's attack throughout and drew a fine save from goalie Jaume Domenech just before halftime.
Valencia's disgruntled fans were already calling for coach Nuno Santo Espirito to be fired after his team drew its last league game.
Now, with only one win in five rounds and a losing start to the Champions League group phase, the manager will face a critical test at Mestalla Stadium against Granada on Friday.
Espanyol got its second straight win following a humbling 6-0 loss at home to Madrid.
"This is the best way to give us a boost after the poor game we played last time at home," Alvarez said.
