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With Joao Félix on the bench and boos from the fans, Atlético Madrid kicked off their La Liga campaign with a 3-1 win over Granada on Monday.
Felix’s fellow forwards, Álvaro Morata and Memphis Depay, each scored a goal, and Marcos Llorente added another to give Atlético the opening win at the Metropolitano.
Felix is not expected to remain at the club and negotiations for his transfer are still ongoing. He has upset Atlético fans by saying recently that he dreams of playing for Barcelona. The crowd at the Metropolitan booed Felix loudly when he appeared on the video screens.
He replaced Depay Morata in the second half and scored a magnificent goal to put Atlético back in front: a long right footed shot hit the top corner in the 67th minute.
“Memphis played a great game,” Atlético coach Diego Simeone said. “His goal from him was incredible. He was working hard to be competitive ».
Antoine Griezmann started in Atlético’s attack alongside Morata, before being replaced by Sail Niguez late in the match.
Granada equalized through Samuel Omorodion five minutes before Depay’s goal. Morata opened the scoring from inside the area in the discount of the first part. Llorente sealed Atlético’s victory in the discount of the second half.
Atlético lost veteran midfielder Koke Resurrection to an apparent muscle injury five minutes into the game.
Defenders César Azpilicueta and Caglar Soyonco made their debuts for Atlético, who finished the season strongly last year, finishing third behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Atlético is unbeaten against Granada in 20 consecutive league games at home.
Granada returns to the First Division after a season in the Second Division.
In the other match on Monday, Cádiz scored early and then held on to beat promoted Alavés 1-0. Fede San Emetrio put the locals ahead with a header in the seventh minute. Cádiz starred in the leadership of a man from 88 after midfielder Gonzalo Escalante was sent off with a direct red card for a serious foul.
Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 on Saturday, while Barcelona drew Getafe 0-0 on Sunday.
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2023-08-14 23:29:14
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