Madrid (AFP) – Atlético de Madrid thrashed Valladolid away from home (5-0) and climbed within just two points of the top of the table.
Argentinians Julián Álvarez and Rodrigo de Paul played key roles in this victory, each contributing a goal.
In England, Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes found the net for the second time in less than a week during Arsenal’s rout of West Ham United (5-2).
Argentinians Lead Atlético’s Onslaught
Julián Álvarez and Rodrigo de Paul each scored in the 5-0 thrashing of Valladolid, allowing Atlético de Madrid to join the race for the top spot.
The ‘Spider’ also registered his second assist of the Spanish league season.
Álvarez opened the scoring (35) by pouncing on a rebound in the area.
Just before halftime (38), Rodrigo de Paul netted the third goal with a low shot after arriving late to connect with a lateral ball from Javi Galán.
Shortly after the second half kicked off (52), Julián Álvarez provided the pass for Antoine Griezmann to make it 4-0 on the scoreboard.
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The former River Plate forward, who had scored a brace against Sparta Prague (6-0) earlier in the week, has now tallied ten goals and two assists in 21 matches wearing the Atlético de Madrid shirt.
Rodrigo de Paul also opened his account for the season after contributing three assists in 14 matches.
Both players were starters, completing 64 minutes on the pitch before being substituted.
Uruguayan José María Giménez and Argentine Giuliano Simeone also started, while Argentine midfielder Ángel Correa came on as a substitute in the second half.
This victory marks Atlético Madrid’s third in the league, placing them in second position with 32 points, just two behind leaders Barcelona (34).
Gabriel Scores Again
Arsenal achieved their second consecutive victory in the Premier League by overpowering West Ham United (5-2) at the London Stadium.
Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhães was one of the standout players under Mikel Arteta, scoring his second goal in three days.
The central defender opened the scoring (10) with a header from a corner taken by Bukayo Saka.
Gabriel, who had just scored in the 5-1 thrashing of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, now has four goals in 13 matches this season.
He has played 145 matches in the British league, netting 17 goals.
“It’s good to have multiple ways to score goals because it makes the team unpredictable; opponents have to work much harder, which is beneficial for us,” said manager Mikel Arteta about the defender’s scoring ability.
Gabriel started the match and was substituted at halftime, as he “came off injured in Lisbon (earlier in the week),” according to the Spanish coach.
Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus also featured, coming on as a substitute in the second half.
For West Ham, Brazilian Lucas Paquetá started and played 78 minutes before being substituted, while Argentine Guido Rodríguez also came on as a substitute in the second half.
Arsenal’s victory puts them in second place in the table with 25 points, six behind leaders Liverpool (31).
