Atletico Madrid kicked off the Spanish Liga season in style, claiming a 3-1 home victory over newly promoted Granada and surging to the top of the league table. The thrilling match saw several standout moments and goals from both teams.
The hosts took the lead in first-half injury time when Alvaro Morata capitalized on a defensive error by Granada’s Jesus Vallejo. Atletico’s debutant Cesar Azpilicueta provided a cross that Vallejo mistimed, delivering the ball directly to the unmarked Morata, who confidently netted the opening goal.
Granada leveled the score in the 63rd minute after Yannick Carrasco lost possession while trying to navigate out of defense. Gonzalo Villar delivered a well-placed cross into the goalmouth, where Samu Omorodion executed a first-time shot that soared into the roof of the net.
Carrasco quickly redeemed himself by setting up a crucial goal for his team just five minutes later. He delivered a precise square pass to Memphis Depay, who unleashed a powerful shot from 25 meters out, securing Atletico’s advantage.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone praised Carrasco’s performance, stating, “It’s an awesome goal. I’m happy for him, because he has been working very hard and knows he has to make an effort to compete for a place.”
Despite the determined efforts of both teams, the final decisive moment came deep into added time. Atletico’s Marcos Llorente capitalized on a loose ball in the box, skillfully maneuvering past two defenders and sealing the match with a third goal in the ninth minute of added time.
Reflecting on the hard-fought victory, Simeone acknowledged the challenge posed by Granada, stating, “It was hard work because Granada played a good game.”
While Atletico celebrated their triumphant start to the season, the victory was marred by an injury to captain Koke, who was forced to leave the field after just six minutes of play.
Atletico Madrid’s impressive performance propelled them to the top of the league standings, surpassing Real Madrid, Osasuna, and Rayo Vallecano, who also secured wins in their opening matches. In the earlier Monday fixture, Cadiz clinched a 1-0 victory over another promoted team, Alaves, with a seventh-minute goal courtesy of midfielder Fede San Emeterio.
