GIRONA,Spain: Atletico Madrid rounded off the year in style with a commanding 3-0 victory over Girona in LaLiga on Sunday, extending their winning run to four matches across all competitions. First-half strikes from Koke and Conor Gallagher set the tone before substitute Antoine Griezmann sealed the result in stoppage time.
The visitors made a bright start, targeting Girona with a steady stream of crosses, and were rewarded in the 13th minute when Koke pounced on a loose clearance to fire home from outside the box. Girona threatened a response midway through the half, but Jan Oblak produced a sharp one-handed save to deny Axel Witsel and preserve Atletico’s lead.
Diego Simeone’s side doubled their advantage in the 38th minute as Gallagher, introduced early for the injured Nico Gonzalez, struck from the edge of the area, his effort taking a deflection on its way in after a clever pass from Julian Alvarez.
Griezmann put the result beyond doubt in added time, combining neatly with fellow substitute Giacomo Raspadori before finishing confidently for his sixth league goal of the season. The win lifts Atletico provisionally to third place, while relegation-threatened Girona remain 18th. Atletico now turn their focus to a trip to Real Sociedad on January 4, ahead of a Spanish Super Cup semi-final showdown with Real Madrid.
