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Atlético Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to guide them to a 2-1 victory over struggling Valencia, helping snap their losing run in La Liga and stay in touch with the frontrunners.
Koke opened the scoring in the 17th minute, his first league goal in nearly two years, but Lucas Beltrán provided the equaliser for the visitors in the 63rd minute with a stunning strike from the edge of the box.
The goal seemed to unsettle Atlético, but Griezmann restored order 12 minutes later, the 34-year-old expertly controlling a long pass from Marc Pubill before hammering a thunderous half-volley into the top corner from close range.
Griezmann told Dazn: “The team was coming off a tough win at PSV in the Champions League midweek. We struggled today, but we substitutes came on to look for a spark and I’m glad that we found it.
“I’m happy here. I have a wonderful family, wonderful fans, live in a wonderful city ... And I’m happy. I’m going to make the most of every minute I get.”
Atlético remain fourth and are one point behind third-place Villarreal, who visit Levante on Sunday. Atlético are six adrift of Barcelona, the leaders, who host Osasuna later on Saturday. Valencia are 17th on 15 points.
Elsewhere in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain will try to go back to the top of Ligue 1, kicking off at Metz a point behind Lens, who host Nice on Sunday. Bayer Leverkusen helm the pick of the games in the Bundesliga, hosting Cologne in the late kick-off.
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