PA Media/dpa
London
Julian Alvarez scored two penalties as Atletico Madrid reduced the gap to second-placed rivals Real Madrid to three points in LaLiga with a hard-fought 4-2 comeback win over bottom club Valladolid.
Diego Simeone’s side did not have it all their own way against opponents, who had lost 11 of their last 12 games, yet grabbed a 21st-minute lead through Mamadou Sylla’s spot-kick.
Alvarez’s first penalty - four minutes later - brought Atletico back on track and two minutes later, the hosts went ahead when Giuliano Simeone smashed his side’s second into the top corner from close range.
The ailing visitors, who remain 12 points adrift at the foot of the table, were far from finished and hauled themselves level in the 56th minute when Javi Sanchez lashed home a free-kick.
But Alvarez seized his chance to add to his spot-kick tally when he converted after Marcos Llorente had been pulled down by Gustavo Henrique in the 71st minute.
Alexander Sorloth effectively sealed the points for his side 11 minutes from time when he turned the ball home from close range as Atletico put the pressure back on their city rivals.
