Alvarez Hat-Trick Rescues Atletico as Simeone Eases Pressure with Win over Rayo

Julian Alvarez delivered a performance of the highest order to lift Atletico Madrid past Rayo Vallecano, scoring a hat-trick that secured just the club’s second La Liga victory of the campaign.

The Argentine striker struck first with a crisp volley at the back post, only for Pep Chavarría to level with a thunderous long-range strike from 35 yards. Alvaro García then stunned the home crowd at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano by putting Rayo ahead, but Alvarez quickly restored parity with a close-range finish.

The 24-year-old completed his treble in spectacular fashion, unleashing a ferocious left-footed drive from 25 yards that sailed into the top corner. It was his fourth goal in six league appearances this season, following a debut campaign in which he registered 29 goals across all competitions.

The victory lifted Diego Simeone’s men to ninth in the standings, though questions still linger around their consistency after a slow start to the season. Pressure has been mounting on Simeone, who, despite winning two league titles in his near 14-year tenure, has seen his side struggle to impose themselves domestically since their 2021 triumph.

Atletico now turn their focus to a high-stakes derby against table-toppers Real Madrid, a fixture that could redefine their early-season trajectory. Kick-off is scheduled for Saturday at 15:15 BST.

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