Atletico Madrid and Villarreal Victorious to Maintain Pressure on La Liga Giants

Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to score twice and inspire Atletico Madrid to a 3–1 victory over Levante on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run in La Liga to 11 matches. Villarreal, meanwhile, moved up to second place provisionally with a composed 2–0 win away at Espanyol.

With Real Madrid set to visit Rayo Vallecano on Sunday and reigning champions Barcelona travelling to Celta Vigo, Diego Simeone’s side ensured they remain firmly in contention at the top of the table.

Griezmann the Game-Changer

Atletico took an early lead at the Metropolitano Stadium through an Adrian de la Fuente own goal, but Levante equalised in the 21st minute when Manu Sánchez headed home at the back post from a corner.

Simeone turned to his star man after the hour mark, and Griezmann responded instantly — scoring just 28 seconds after coming on, the fastest goal by a substitute in La Liga in the past decade. The Frenchman tapped in from close range after excellent work by Marcos Llorente down the right.

Griezmann doubled his tally 10 minutes from time, pouncing on a rebound after goalkeeper Mathew Ryan had denied Julián Álvarez. Levante thought they had reduced the deficit deep into stoppage time, but Carlos Álvarez’s free-kick was ruled out for offside against Matías Moreno.

“All players want to play — it’s what makes us happy,” Griezmann told Movistar. “But no one sulks here. I know I’m an example for others and for my son who watches me from the stands. Those who come off the bench must always bring energy, and that’s what I try to do.”

Atletico’s victory keeps them level on points with Barcelona and within touching distance of the league leaders, maintaining their strong start to the campaign.

Villarreal Cruise Past Espanyol

Elsewhere, Villarreal returned to form with a 2–0 triumph over Espanyol, easing the pressure after their midweek Champions League setback against Cypriot side Pafos.

Gerard Moreno opened the scoring in the 43rd minute with a sublime curling finish against his former club, before Alberto Moleiro sealed the win early in the second half. The young midfielder reacted quickest to slot home after his initial effort was parried by Marko Dmitrovic.

“It’s a very important win at a difficult ground,” said Moreno, who made over 100 appearances for Espanyol. “I’ve got a lot of respect and affection for this club — they always treat me well whenever I come back.”

The result lifts Villarreal to within four points of leaders Real Madrid and one point above Barcelona, as Marcelino García Toral’s side continue to build momentum domestically.