SportsSuarez Brace Sinks Elche As Atletico Madrid Win 3-1

Suarez Brace Sinks Elche As Atletico Madrid Win 3-1

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SAN FRANCISCO, December 19, (THEWILL) – Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez’s double helped La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid secure a comfortable 3-1 victory over Elche at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday.

After their loss in the Madrid derby that ended their 26-match unbeaten run in the competition, Atleti were determined to extend their lead at the top and they thought they had won an early penalty inside three minutes.

As Suarez attacked a Joao Felix through ball, centre back John Donald tugged back at him and Suarez ended up on the turf. But, a VAR review revealed that the striker had initially strayed offside removing the need for a penalty.

A swerving shot from midfielder Marcos Llorente was well kept out by the legs of Elche goalkeeper Edgar Badia, and presented with a second chance, the midfielder blazed over. Thomas Lemar also tried and could not get past the Elche keeper.

However, in the 41st minute, Suarez found a way through when he got a faint touch on Kieran Trippier’s accurate cross into the box to divert it into the far corner from close range.

The striker was at it again to double the tally after 58 minutes. He deftly slid into space in the area to convert Yannick Carrasco’s angled left-wing cross from close range at the far post for his brace.

But, Elche halved the deficit six minutes later when attacker Lucas Boye headed into the roof of the net from a Tete Morente flick of a corner into his path.

There was a worrying moment for the hosts when Joao Felix limped off for Atletico in the closing stages. With injuries becoming rampant, Diego Simeone will hope his issue is not a serious problem as his side tries to retain leadership of the League.

That injury allowed for the introduction of Diego Costa, who was marking his own return from injury after a month out. He made a quick impression when he won a penalty from an Ivan Marcone foul. He dusted himself up and took the spot-kick himself, sending Badia the wrong way to give Simeone’s charges all three points.

Up next for Atletico is a clash at the top against lead contenders Real Sociedad on Tuesday. Elche will look to bounce back when they host struggling Osasuna on the same day.

About the Author

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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.

Jude Obafemi, THEWILLhttps://thewillnews.com
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.

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