Athletico Madrid scored three magnificent second half goals to seal a 5-1 win over Las Palmas. Athletico Madrid had to deal with the absence of Antoine Griezmann but seemed totally unpertubed by his absence in what was their first victory of the season and Diego Simone’s 200th win as manager at Athleti after a disappointing 2-2 draw at Girona last time out.
A fast start from the visitors ensured that a repeat of last week was off the cards as a quick fire succession of goals from Andrea Correa and Yannick Carrasco in the 3rd and 5th minute pulled Athleti two clear before Las Palmas had a chance to settle into the game.
Jonathan Calleri pulled one back in the 58th minute for Las Palmas as they briefly threatened to make their way back into the game. However Koke had other plans when he scored two absolutely beautiful strikes in the 62nd and 75th minute to pull Athletic three goals clear.
Jonathan Viera however spurned a late chance to reduce the deficit late on, having a penalty saved by Jan Oblak before Thomas Partey put the final nail in the coffin for Athletic with two minutes of normal time left.
Athletico took the lead in the third minute with their first attack with Correa collecting a deflected flick from strike partner Luciano Vietto before beating two Las Palmas defenders with some amazing footwork and sending a pile driver beyond a completely surprised Leandro Chichizola.
It would take Simeone’s men a meagre 118 seconds to double their lead with Yannick Carrasco collecting a pass from Saul Niguez and tricking his way past a wrong footed David Simon before also beating Leandro Chichizola with a stunner into the far corner.
Las Palmas soon after tried to break but found a bouncing effort from Viera easily parried to safety by Oblak. The Athletico shot stopper found himself largely undisturbed in a first half that ended with Vietto narrowly escaping a second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Viera. Vietto committed another clumsy challenge in the second half and found himself soon after replaced by club captain Gabi in what was a tactical switch to a five man midfield.
The hosts soon pulled one back and threatened to find their way back into the game when some sloppy defending made Calleri evade the Athletic back line a and tuck a smart header beyond Oblak but few minutes later and a clumsy clearance by Pedro Bigas had the ball well placed for Koke to make a great connection and sweep the ball beyond the Las Palmas goalie in what was a very beautiful goal.
Koke was on hand again 13 minutes later to score another spectacular goal in what was his first career double. Athleti wrapped up the victory in the 88th minute when Koke dummied over a Carrasco cut back leaving Thomas absolutely free to tuck one into the far corner from 20 yards.
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