Atletico go joint top with Barca after Alaves win

Atletico Madrid's Spanish midfielder Rodrigo celebrates with teammate Antoine Griezmann after scoring a goal during their Spanish league match against Deportivo Alaves at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on December 8, 2018. PHOTO | CURTO DE LA TORRE |

What you need to know:

  • On a negative note, France's World Cup winner Lucas Hernandez left the field with a knee injury during the first half.
  • Barcelona are at city rivals Espanyol later on Saturday and can move three points clear of Diego Simeone's side with victory.

MADRID

Atletico Madrid moved joint top of the La Liga table alongside Barcelona with a 3-0 thumping of Alaves on Saturday.

Nikola Kalinic, who returned a World Cup runners-up medal this year, opened his league account for the season with the first goal before Antoine Griezmann and midfielder Rodri sealed all three points at the Wanda Metropolitano with goals in the final 10 minutes.

On a negative note, France's World Cup winner Lucas Hernandez left the field with a knee injury during the first half.

Barcelona are at city rivals Espanyol later on Saturday and can move three points clear of Diego Simeone's side with victory.