Diego Simeone’s second-half changes proved inspired as substitutes Fernando Torres and Angel Correa scored in a hard-fought 2-0 win for Atletico Madrid at Eibar.
Argentinian youngster Correa opened the scoring two minutes after coming off the bench by taking advantage of a pass from Torres, and he later returned the favour for the Spaniard, who sealed the points for Atletico with 12 minutes to go.
Torres looked like the player of old. His assist for Correa was the result of pace and guile, and the finish for his own goal provoked memories of the striker during his Liverpool days, rather than the one who struggled so desperately during his time at Chelsea.
Andy Mitten: Record-breaking Cristiano Ronaldo talks of humility but loves attention
Just as they did last season, Eibar have made a strong start to their campaign in Spain’s top flight and were unbeaten, on seven points, going into the visit of Simeone’s side.
Although the visitors did most of the attacking over the 90 minutes, the Basques limited Atletico to mostly half-chances in the first half, such as Luciano’s effort, which crashed into the side netting from a tight angle, and Jackson Martinez’s shot, which was parried by goalkeeper Asier Riesgo.
Simeone introduced Fernando Torres and youngster Oliver Torres after the break and then on the hour mark brought on Correa for Koke.
Correa scores his first goal for Atletico thanks to fine hold-up play by the older Torres, smashing the ball past Riesgo after receiving the lay-off from his teammate.
Then with Eibar’s defence stretched in search of a late equaliser, the Argentinian raced forwards and slipped the ball into the path of Torres, who needed just one touch to slide it past Riesgo and into the net.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @NatSportUAE
