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Griezmann Scores Brace as Atletico Wins, Pulls Level With Barcelona

Antoine Griezmann scored twice after setting up an opening goal to earn a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Valladolid on Saturday, lifting Atletico Madrid level on points with Spanish league leader Barcelona.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) Antoine Griezmann scored twice after setting up an opening goal to earn a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Valladolid on Saturday, lifting Atletico Madrid level on points with Spanish league leader Barcelona.

Atletico dominated the first half, as Griezmann passed for Nikola Kalinic to score before the France forward added a penalty kick just before halftime.

Valladolid pinned the visitors back into their area at the start of the second half and equalized with goals from two corner kicks.

Griezmann then stepped up to put Atletico back in front for good in the 80th minute after Stefan Savic found him alone on the left side of the six-yard box to beat goalkeeper Jordi Masip.

It was Atletico's second away win in the league this season to go with five draws and its sole loss in the competition.

Atletico is behind Barcelona on goal difference before the defending champions visit Levante on Sunday.