Antoine Griezmann struck twice as Atletico Madrid moved to within six points of Barcelona at the top of the Primera Liga with a comprehensive 5-1 win over Real Betis on Saturday.
Barca host Real Madrid in what is set to be an emotional clasico later as the Catalan giants pay homage to legendary former player and coach Johan Cruyff, who died last week at the age of 68.
Atletico and Barca also meet at the Camp Nou in the first leg of their Uefa Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday and Diego Simeone’s men will travel with plenty of confidence after one of their most complete performances of the season.
Fernando Torres opened the scoring with a lovely dinked finish reminiscent of his winner for Spain in the Euro 2008 final over Germany after racing onto Koke’s fine through ball nine minutes before half-time.
Griezmann doubled Atletico’s advantage five minutes later thanks to a huge error from Betis ‘keeper Antonio Adan as the French international’s scooped pass into Koke’s path slipped through his legs and rolled into the net.
Adan made amends with great saves from Torres and Griezmann as Atletico threatened to run riot before the break.
Right-back Juanfran was Atletico’s hero with the winning penalty in a marathon shootout against PSV Eindhoven to reach the last eight of the Champions League last month.
And the Spanish international netted his first goal from open play for nearly three years when he slammed home Angel Correa’s fine cross just after the hour mark.
Jan Oblak looked well on course to register a 20th clean sheet in 31 Liga games this season, but a rare slip from the Slovenian goalkeeper presented the ball at Ruben Castro’s feet to slam home his 16th goal of the season and reduce Betis’ deficit.
Yet, Atletico took just three minutes to restore their three-goal lead as more great and unselfish work from Correa teed up Griezmann to fire home his 26th goal of the season despite Adan’s best efforts.
And Griezmann turned provider in stoppage time when he squared for substitute Thomas Partey to round off the scoring.
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Hobbies: When he’s not in the restaurant, he still likes to cook, along with walking and meeting up with friends.
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Torque: 420Nm at 2,750rpm
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Torque: 680Nm
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Wenger's Arsenal reign in numbers
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704 - wins to date as Arsenal manager.
3 - Premier League title wins, the last during an unbeaten Invincibles campaign of 2003/04.
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7 - FA Cup triumphs, with three of those having come the last four seasons.
151 - Premier League losses.
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The five pillars of Islam
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
Teaching your child to save
Pre-school (three - five years)
You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.
Early childhood (six - eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)
Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.
Young teens (12 - 14 years)
Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 - 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)
Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.
* JP Morgan Private Bank
