Griezmann treble keeps Atletico on Barca’s heels

BARCELONA: Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann scored his first hat-trick this season as they hammered Sevilla 5-2 away in La Liga to keep the pressure on leaders Barcelona, while fourth-placed Valencia beat Real Sociedad 2-1 on Sunday.

Diego Costa gave Atletico the lead against the run of play in the 29th minute, chasing down Ever Banega just outside the area and easily beating goalkeeper Sergio Rico, scoring for the eighth time against Sevilla in all competitions.

Griezmann then showed his class with a magnificent solo goal in the 42nd, waltzing past two players outside the area to drift into the middle before whipping the ball into the far corner.

The France forward scored Atleti’s third with a penalty in the 51st after Costa was fouled before Sevilla were careless again when Gabriel Mercado’s pass to Rico was intercepted by Griezmann, who backheeled for Koke to tap home in the 65th.

Griezmann completed his treble in the 81st, although Sevilla midfielder Pablo Sarabia scored late on to snap Atletico’s run of four games without conceding and Nolito struck another consolation goal for the hosts in the 89th.

Valencia withstood a late wave of Real Sociedad pressure to maintain their push for Champions League qualification by holding onto fourth spot in the standings. Santi Mina headed Valencia in front after 34 minutes and the striker restored their advantage from close range in the 68th after Spain international Mikel Oyarzabal had levelled earlier in the second half for troubled Real Sociedad.

Valencia goalkeeper Neto made a jaw-dropping save with 10 minutes left from Sergio Canales, stopping the shot with his shoulder as it was about to cross the goal-line.Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also saved a penalty, denying Malaga forward Youssef En-Nesyri in a 2-1 home win over the Liga basement club.