On Monday, an inspired Atletico Madrid destroyed Rayo Vallecano 7-0, with midfielders Saul Niguez and Rodrigo de Paul both contributing two assists and substitute Alvaro Morata scoring twice.
Antoine Griezmann and Memphis Depay scored close-range goals to give Atletico a 2-0 lead early on, and Nahuel Molina added to that advantage on a counterattack in the 36th minute.
In the second minute, Griezmann scored a close-range volley from a De Paul pass.
Two minutes later, Depay almost increased Atletico’s advantage, but goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski expertly denied him with a point-blank shot.
After Saul sent a low cross, the Dutch striker knocked it in from just within the six-yard box in the 16th minute to give his team the lead.
A few minutes after he damaged his leg, Dapay had to be replaced.
Molina then received a pass from De Paul, who finished well to beat Dimitrievski.
In the second half, Morata, who had come in for Depay, scored twice, and Angel Correa hit the crossbar with an exquisite dipping shot. As a rampaging Atletico ripped apart their opponents to clinch a second victory in three games this season, Marcos Llorente also scored.
Griezmann told Movistar Plus, “We played a tremendous game, with excitement and a lot of energy from the outset.
“With the first goal, we were able to relax and get three crucial points. Now let’s relax and consider the following one.
With seven points, Atletico is tied for second place in the LaLiga standings with Barcelona and Girona. Rayo is in eighth place with six points, two points behind Real Madrid, the team in first.