Alvarez scores two penalties as Atleti storms home
Julian Alvarez scored two penalties as Atletico Madrid came from behind to beat bottom side Real Valladolid 4-2 at Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sorloth were also on target for Diego Simeone's side, which moved back within three points of second-place Real Madrid, and seven of LaLiga leader Barcelona.
Valladolid had lost 10 of its 11 previous games, but took a surprise lead in the 21st minute. Mamadou Sylla calmly converted from the penalty spot after Clement Lenglet was penalised for handball after a VAR review.
Atleti equalised with a penalty of its own soon after. Alvarez made no mistake after VAR ruled Javi Sanchez had fouled Simeone, who then completed the turnaround in the 27th minute.
The visitor was level again on 56 minutes when Sanchez's free-kick deflected off Conor Gallagher, and wrong-footed Jan Oblak on its way into the net.
However, Los Rojiblancos struck twice in the last 20 minutes to get themselves over the line.
Alvarez struck again from 12 yards after Henrique fouled Marcos Llorente, while substitute Alexander Sorloth's close-range finish put the contest beyond Valladolid.
