Morata scores twice as Atletico debuts with win at Getafe

Mon, Aug 15, 2022
Soccer News (AP)

MADRID (AP) - The decision to keep Alvaro Morata is already paying off for Atletico Madrid.

Morata scored twice on Monday as Atletico began its Spanish league campaign with a 3-0 win at Getafe. Antoine Griezmann also scored coming off the bench, with Joao Felix setting up all three goals for the visitors.

There had been doubts about whether Atletico would keep Morata after his two-year loan with Juventus ended. Some teams, including Juventus and Manchester United, reportedly had shown interest.

But Morata impressed in the preseason - which included a hat trick against Juventus - and Atletico ultimately decided it was worth keeping the 29-year-old striker.

"I don't need to send any messages," Morata said. "I have to keep working for myself and for my team. It was important to start with a victory. I think it's going to be a great year."

It didn't take long on Monday for Morata to show Atletico was right. He scored with a well-placed low shot from the top of the area after a nice one-touch pass by Joao Felix in the 15th minute, then picked up another superb assist from the Portugal youngster to hit the top of the net from inside the area in the 59th.

"He is doing well, he works hard," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. "Everyone at the club hopes he will stay with us."

Griezmann came off the bench and sealed the victory with a shot from outside the area in the 75th.

Atletico finished third in the Spanish league last year, behind Barcelona and champions Real Madrid.

Madrid won 2-1 at promoted Almeria on Sunday, while Barcelona drew 0-0 at home against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

ATHLETIC HELD

Athletic Bilbao was held at home to a 0-0 draw against Mallorca in the return of coach Ernesto Valverde to the Basque Country club.

Athletic dominated from the start but could not capitalize on its scoring chances. The hosts had more than 20 attempts at San Mames Stadium.

Valverde, who hadn't coached since leaving Barcelona in 2020, is back for his third stint at Athletic's helm.

The Basque club finished only eighth last season, missing out on the European competitions. Mallorca barely escaped relegation, finishing one point outside the relegation zone.

Real Betis, the fifth-place finisher after a good campaign last season, later hosts Elche.

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