Julian Alvarez scored a sensational hat-trick to help Atletico Madrid stage a 3-2 comeback win against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga last night.
Pressure was mounting on manager Diego Simeone after a poor start to the new season, with just one victory in five games, and Atletico were desperate to end their rough patch.
Los Rojiblancos started the game on a positive note after Alvarez opened the scoring with a sweet left-footed volley from Marco Llorente’s lofted cross.
The lead was cancelled before half-time when Pep Chavaria scored an outrageous long-range goal for the visitors.
Problems compounded for Atletico after Alvaro Garcia Rivera helped Rayo take the lead with a precise goal off Isi Palazon’s brilliant through ball in the 77th minute.
However, Alvarez equalised minutes later with a close-range strike before firing in an unstoppable left-foot strike from outside the box to complete an incredible comeback.
The Argentine forward created three big chances, and his defensive work rate was praiseworthy as well.
Alvarez had a prolific debut season in La Liga last term despite Atletico’s struggles, bagging 29 goals and eight assists in all competitions.
He is now looking to scale new heights this season, having scored four goals in six games.
David Hancko was as influential as Alvarez in defence to help Atletico end their two-match losing streak.
The Slovakian centre-back was a rock in the backline, while showcasing his impressive ball-playing abilities.
He finished the game with five tackles, two interceptions and three recoveries, while winning all of his six ground duels.
Simeone will be relieved to see his side return to winning ways ahead of the league derby against Real Madrid this weekend and the Champions League fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt next week.
