Argentine forward Angel Correa struck twice to help Atletico Madrid recover from a two-goal deficit and defeated Cadiz 3-2 at home on Sunday to claim their third successive LaLiga win.
Atletico, who have a game in hand, moved up to fourth place in the standings on 16 points, five behind leaders Real Madrid.
After a dominant start from the hosts, Cadiz stunned by taking the lead in the 12th minute when Chris Ramos’ cross from the right found left back Lucas Pires in the six-yard box to knock home from close range.
Roger Marti doubled the lead for the visitors with a lobbed shot after goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma’s superb long clearance in the 27th minute before Correa pulled one back for Atleti with a header from the centre of the box five minutes later.
Nahuel Molina grabbed the equalizer almost immediately after half-time with a powerful shot that ricocheted off a defender, and Correa scored again following a rapid breakaway to seal the win for Diego Simeone’s side in the 65th minute.
Atletico next host Dutch champions Feyenoord in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“Now we are thinking about resting,” Simeone added. “We have little time for the Champions League, to regain strength and energy for a tough and difficult competition.”
The 28-year-old Correa reached three goals in five league games after an early recovery from an injury sustained in last week’s derby victory over Real Madrid that saw him miss Thursday’s victory against Osasuna.
“I had a very strong impact on my knee. I sprained it and couldn’t play in the previous game,” Correa told DAZN.
“With Alvaro [Morata] being sent off, [Antoine] Griezmann was alone up front, I wanted to push myself with a bit of pain to help the team and it turned out well.
“We knew this was a difficult match, having won the other two games, we wanted to finish the week on a high note with a win in front of our fans.”
Coach Simeone said: “The comeback makes me very happy because it wasn’t easy after the two goals. With tranquility the team found the way to win.”
Atletico next host Dutch champions Feyenoord in the Champions League on Wednesday. “Now we are thinking about resting,” Simeone added. “We have little time for the Champions League, to regain strength and energy for a tough and difficult competition.”
