Antoine Griezmann struck a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over 10-man Celta Vigo to assist Atletico Madrid climb provisionally second in La Liga on Saturday. The French ahead was at his deadly finest in a snug win at Celta’s Balaidos stadium for Diego Simeone’s aspect, made simpler by the hosts’ goalkeeper Ivan Villar’s early dismissal. The stopper took out Atletico striker Alvaro Morata within the space halfway by way of the primary half and was dismissed, with former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita approaching for his Celta debut.

His first job was to choose the ball out of the web as Griezmann dispatched the ensuing penalty, earlier than netting twice extra to maneuver second within the Spanish goalscoring charts on seven league objectives, behind Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham.

The hosts, who got here shut themselves earlier than Villar’s dismissal, almost levelled when Jorgen Strand Larsen fired over after good work by Iago Aspas, and Jonathan Bamba hit the bar.

Guaita denied Samuel Lino simply earlier than half-time however he couldn’t hold Griezmann at bay.

The Frenchman drove ahead brilliantly from inside his personal half into the Celta space, after which slipped as he tried to cross the ball, by accident driving it previous Guaita on the close to put up.

Griezmann slotted Nahuel Molina’s low cross residence to finish his treble and spherical off an outstanding evening for the Rojiblancos.

Atletico path La Liga leaders Real Madrid by three factors, however have a recreation in hand on their rivals, who drew 1-1 at Sevilla earlier Saturday.

Simeone’s aspect are stage with Girona, third, on 22 factors, with the Catalans internet hosting backside staff Almeria on Sunday earlier than champions Barcelona, fourth, welcome Athletic Bilbao.

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