Atletico Madrid secured back-to-back LaLiga wins courtesy of a goal in each half from Angel Correa and some fine saves from Jan Oblak.
Angel Correa scored twice as Atletico Madrid put a midweek Champions League defeat behind them with a 2-1 win over Girona.
Atleti were beaten 2-0 by surprise package Club Brugge on Tuesday but responded four days later with a LaLiga victory at Civitas Metropolitano.
Correa made his second start of the season in LaLiga with an early goal scored by Antoine Griezmann, who played from the start, after Barcelona coach Xavi confirmed an agreement had been reached for the France international’s permanent move.
Juan Carlos’ screamer gave Correa his second, and although on-loan Rodrigo Riquelme pulled a goal back against his parent club, Diego Simeone’s side held on for all three points, aided by excellent goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Griezmann missed a penalty in the Bruges defeat, but made amends with a cross from the left to turn Correa at the back post in the fifth minute.
Girona showed a positive response to going behind, Oriol Romeu had a shot blocked by Axel Witsel before Yangel Herrera hit the crossbar from inside the penalty area.
Matheus Cunha was denied by Girona goalkeeper Carlos after Griezmann played him in with a clever pass and Herrera headed just wide at the other end on the stroke of half-time.
Carlos then gifted Correa with a second goal with a casual pass that the Argentina striker cut out before using a simple finish.
Carlos did well to keep out Nahuel Molina’s effort at his near post after Yannick Carrasco’s brilliant pass had opened up the Girona defence.
Riquelme gave the promoted side a deserved lifeline with a long range drive midway through the second half.
Girona continued to pose a threat and Oblak superbly tipped Aleix Garcia’s raspy drive against the post to deny the same player another superb save as Atleti kept the pressure on.
