Julián Álvarez’s hattrick secured all three points for Atlético Madrid in a dramatic comeback win against Rayo Vallecano.
Álvarez opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving Atlético an early lead. However, Pep Chavarría equalized for Rayo Vallecano in first-half stoppage time. The visitors then took a surprise lead in the 77th minute through Álvaro García.
Just three minutes later, Álvarez restored parity for Atlético with his second of the night. The Argentine forward completed his hattrick in the 88th minute, sending the Wanda Metropolitano into raptures and providing a much-needed lifeline for Diego Simeone.
The win was a huge relief for Simeone, who has been under serious pressure following a poor start to the season with just one win from six matches prior to this fixture.
Following the match, Simeone was full of praise for Álvarez:
“He is the best player we have. We need to take care of him and keep him for many years at Atlético. We have to help him be even better than he is.”
Atlético Madrid will now turn their attention to the highly anticipated Madrid Derby, where they will face rivals Real Madrid.