Atletico dominates early, tops Huesca 3-0 with help from VAR
MADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid only needed about half an hour — and some help from a video review — to cruise to a 3-0 victory over promoted Huesca in the Spanish league on Tuesday.
Goals by Antoine Griezmann in the 16th minute, Thomas Partey in the 29th and Jorge "Koke" Resurreccion in the 33rd — after an offside call was reversed by the VAR — were enough to seal Atletico's second consecutive league victory.
"We started really strong," Partey said. "We did a great job and played a complete match. We have to try to keep this momentum."
The result at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium moved Diego Simeone's team to third place, two points behind leaders Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Barcelona, coming off a home draw against Girona, visits last-place Leganes on Wednesday, just before Real Madrid plays at Sevilla.
It was Atletico's third straight win in all competitions. It had also defeated Monaco in its Champions League opener last week.
"We played a very convincing first half," Simeone said. "The team is improving in all aspects, that's positive."
Atletico had halted a two-match winless streak in the league with a victory at Getafe on Saturday. Its next match is Saturday at Real Madrid in the city derby.
Koke's goal was initially disallowed because Angel Correa was called offside as the ball crossed in front of him near the goal. Koke's shot ended up going straight into the net and the goal stood after the VAR said Correa did not influence play.
Newcomer Huesca hasn't won since the opening round, drawing once and losing four straight.
"They had the game won in the first half," Huesca midfielder Gonzalo Melero said. "It's difficult to go into halftime with a three-goal disadvantage."
COMFORTABLE AT HOME
Espanyol defeated Eibar 1-0 with a second-half goal by Mario Hermoso to remain perfect at home.
It was the team's third straight win at RCDE Stadium, where it has outscored opponents 4-0. Its away record is one draw and two losses.
Coming off a disappointing season a year ago, Espanyol is three points behind Barcelona and Real Madrid.
HEALTHY RETURN
Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose made a successful return from injury on Tuesday, scoring a 78th-minute equalizer in Real Sociedad's 2-2 home draw against Eibar.
Jose had entered the match about 15 minutes earlier, marking his first appearance since an injury sustained in the match against Eibar in the third round. The Brazilian striker was hurt as he converted a 15th-minute penalty kick in the team's 2-1 loss.
