Julian Alvarez’s double inspired Atletico Madrid to a thumping Champions League win at Sparta Prague.
Diego Simeone’s side started the match in 23rd spot in the league table – just inside the play-off places – and looking to record consecutive European wins having beaten Paris St-Germain in their most recent fixture.
This was the first competitive meeting between Sparta and Atletico – and it was ignited in the first half by former Manchester City forward Alvarez, who bent a superb free-kick into the top corner.
Marcos Llorente added a deserved second for the visitors before the break, and while the hosts had plenty of possession they failed to trouble Atletico.
Alvarez grabbed his second and his team’s third midway through the second half, controlling Giuliano Simeone’s pass inside the box before hammering beyond Peter Vindahl.
Antoine Griezmann added a fourth on his 100th Champions League appearance, before fellow substitute Angel Correa netted twice in quick succession late on to sprinkle more icing on the visitors’ dominant display.
Atletico now have nine points from their opening five matches – level on points with eighth-placed Aston Villa but having played a game more. The top eight teams will automatically progress to the knockout stage, with teams finishing ninth to 24th facing a play-off.
