January 02, (THEWILL) – Atletico Madrid returned to winning ways in La Liga on Sunday, defeating Rayo Vallecano 2-0 with Angel Correa the scorer of both goals.
The reigning champions snapped a four-game losing streak and moved into fourth position, leapfrogging their opponents, who failed to score a single shot on target at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Correa put the hosts ahead in the 28th minute with his first league goal since November 28th, with Diego Simeone on the touchline after receiving permission from La Liga following a recent positive COVID-19 test.
When he finished off a nice play early in the second half, the Argentina international doubled his score and clinched the points for Simeone’s charges
Despite their terrible run, Atletico were looking for their sixth consecutive victory over Vallecano — and their eighth in the league on home turf.
In the 23rd minute, Luis Suarez robbed Esteban Saveljich of possession, but his attempted chip went wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
But they were not going to be denied because, five minutes after, Mario Hermoso’s deflected effort from a Yannick Carrasco cutback fell pleasantly into the path of Correa, who drove in through Luca Zidane’s legs.
Eight minutes of the resumption of hostilities after the interval and Correa extended the lead by converting Renan Lodi’s cross from close range to conclude a sweeping move by Atleti.
Thomas Lemar and Carrasco came close to extending the lead, with the latter hitting the post for Simeone’s side, who have now preserved five clean sheets in a row against Rayo.
Simeone’s men will now shift their attention to the Copa del Rey, where they will go to Rayo Majadahonda in midweek after this long-awaited success. Rayo Vallecano is also in midweek action, as they travel to Mirandes.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
