Atletico Madrid moved a step closer to securing Champions League qualification courtesy of a commanding 3-0 home victory at the expense of Elche.
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France international Antoine Griezmann helped himself to a brace and Raul Garcia also got his name on the scoresheet in a thoroughly one-sided affair, with all three goals coming after the interval.
The visitors failed to gain a foothold in the match, with Diego Simeone’s men in cruise control for most of the evening.
It proved to be the perfect tonic for the home side following the events of midweek, which saw them exit the Champions League in a bruising defeat to bitter rivals Real Madrid, who netted an 87th-minute winner to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
Atletico could hardly have wished for a more comfortable follow-up fixture, with the visitors producing a limp performance and rarely threatening in the final third of the pitch.
Griezmann broke the deadlock early on in the second period with a close-range header, following some slack defending:
Garcia’s effort nine minutes later put the writing on the wall for the away side:
Griezmann wrapped up the game for Atletico 14 minutes from time, to cap an easy ride: