Koke scores a superb opener as Atletico Madrid beat Girona 3-0 away to move back into third place in LaLiga before Christmas
Atletico Madrid claimed a comfortable 3-0 away win over Girona. The result lifted Diego Simeone’s side back to third in LaLiga. It also marked a fourth straight win in all competitions. Atletico looked sharp from the opening minutes.
Girona came into the game hoping to build momentum to help them climb away from the relegation zone. They had beaten Real Sociedad the previous week. That confidence faded quickly under sustained pressure. Atletico controlled territory and tempo.
The breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute. Girona failed to clear their lines inside the box. The ball dropped kindly for Koke at range. He unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike into the top-left corner.
It was Koke’s 50th goal for Atletico in all competitions. The captain dictated play throughout the first half. His positioning anchored the midfield. Girona struggled to disrupt his rhythm.
Girona threatened briefly after conceding. Axel Witsel forced Jan Oblak into a fine save in the 22nd minute. The goalkeeper reacted sharply to parry the volley. It proved a key moment.
Oblak was alert again later in the match. He denied Alex Moreno early in the second half. Those interventions kept Girona at arm’s length. Atletico never lost their composure.
Atletico doubled their lead in the 38th minute. Conor Gallagher had replaced the injured Nico Gonzalez ten minutes earlier. The substitute wasted little time making an impact. His shot from the edge of the area deflected past Paulo Gazzaniga.
The goal highlighted Atletico’s strength in depth. Simeone’s substitutions have delivered repeatedly this season. Gallagher’s energy added drive in midfield. Girona’s resistance faded further.
Girona showed more intent after the break. Hugo Rincon and Alex Moreno both went close. Neither effort seriously troubled Atletico. The visitors managed the game well.
Antoine Griezmann completed the scoring in stoppage time. The forward started and finished the move. He slid the ball calmly into the corner. It was his fourth goal in three games.
Koke was the standout figure on the night. His early goal set the tone. Oblak’s saves preserved momentum. Gallagher and Griezmann changed the game from the bench.
Atletico have now scored 10 league goals through substitutes. That is more than any other LaLiga side. Griezmann alone has five as a substitute. Simeone’s rotation continues to pay off.
Atletico limited Girona to few clear chances. The hosts struggled to break lines. Atletico remained compact throughout. They controlled transitions effectively.
Simeone has now beaten Girona coach Michel Sanchez eight times in LaLiga. Atletico have also won eight of their last 10 matches. Consistency has returned after a mixed start.
Atletico sit third heading into Christmas. They remain nine points behind leaders Barcelona. Simeone insists higher intensity is still required. The title race remains demanding.
Girona face Mallorca away when they return to action on January 4th. Atletico prepare for a challenging run of fixtures which includes a league trip to Real Sociedad on January 4th, facing cross-city rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals on January 8th. Momentum is building at the right time.
