FOOTBALL – Atletico Madrid moved up to third in LaLiga with a commanding 4-0 victory over Osasuna yesterday, producing an authoritative display at the Metropolitano just three days before their eagerly awaited Madrid derby.
Sevilla continued their impressive start with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over 10-man Deportivo La Coruna, extending their winning run and bringing an end to the latter’s unbeaten return to Spain’s top flight.
Jonathan David set Atletico on their way, with Lee Kang-In, Robin Le Normand and Alex Baena completing a comprehensive victory that highlighted the gulf between the two sides.
For Osasuna, the defeat extended a difficult spell in front of goal, with the visitors having now conceded 11 times across their last three matches.
Atletico controlled the game for much of the evening, dictating possession and repeatedly stretching an Osasuna defence that struggled to contain the hosts’ movement and attacking speed.
The home side threatened early, with Ademola Lookman heading over and Lee probing down the right as Atlético looked to establish their authority.
Osasuna briefly offered a response, forcing Jan Oblak into action when Raul García tested the Atlético goalkeeper.
The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute after a flowing attacking move.
Alejandro Grimaldo combined with Johnny Cardoso before delivering into the area, where David was quickest to react after Aitor Fernandez had kept out his initial effort. The striker made no mistake with the rebound, giving Atlético a deserved lead.
Osasuna appeared to have an immediate answer when Iñigo Arguibide found the net five minutes later.
Their celebrations were short-lived, however, as the goal was disallowed after Lucas Torro was adjudged to have fouled Le Normand during the build-up.
Fernandez then kept Osasuna in the contest with a superb double save, first denying Lee before thwarting David again to ensure Atlético carried only a one-goal advantage into the interval. That resistance evaporated shortly after half-time.
Nine minutes into the second period, Baena and Lookman combined to disrupt the Osasuna defence before David picked out Lee.
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