Morata scores twice as Atlético debuts with win at Getafe

MADRID: The decision to keep Álvaro Morata is already paying off for Atlético Madrid. Morata scored twice on Monday as Atlético began its Spanish league campaign with a 3-0 win at Getafe. Antoine Griezmann also scored coming off the bench, with João Félix setting up all three goals for the visitors.

There had been doubts about whether Atlético would keep Morata after his two-year loan with Juventus ended. Some teams, including Juventus and Manchester United, reportedly had shown interest. But Morata impressed in the preseason — which included a hat trick against Juventus — and Atlético ultimately decided it was worth keeping the 29-year-old striker.

“I don’t need to send any messages,” Morata said. “I have to keep working for myself and for my team. It was important to start with a victory.

I think it’s going to be a great year.” It didn’t take long on Monday for Morata to show Atlético was right. He scored with a well-placed low shot from the top of the area after a nice one-touch pass by João Félix in the 15th minute, then picked up another superb assist from the Portugal youngster to hit the top of the net from inside the area in the 59th. “He is doing well, he works hard,” Atlético coach Diego Simeone said.

“Everyone at the club hopes he will stay with us.” Griezmann came off the bench and sealed the victory with a shot from outside the area in the 75th. Atlético finished third in the Spanish league last year, behind Barcelona and champions Real Madrid. Madrid won 2-1 at promoted Almería on Sunday, while Barcelona drew 0-0 at home against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.