MADRID (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid returned to victory after two disappointing draws in the last two stages, beating Espanyol 3-1 at home on Sunday in the 13th round of the Primera Liga.
The capital club owes their victory to Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, who made the first goal for Angel Correa in the first minute of stoppage time in the first half.
Murata added the second with a powerful shot that hit the net in the 58th minute, before coming out in the 80th minute to the applause of the fans of the Wanda Metropolitano to replace Diego Costa.
Murata's brilliance comes after his return to Spain, who had already secured their qualification for the Euro 2020, for their last two qualifiers at home to Malta and Romania on 15 and 18.
Jorge Mirodio (Cookie) wrapped up the scoring festival with a low shot from inside the area after a cross from Costa in the first minute of stoppage time.
Espanyol started the scoring in the 38th minute thanks to Sergei Darder from a shot from outside the area settled against the Slovenian international goalkeeper Jan Opplak.
Atletico, who won their sixth win of the season, have 24 points in third place, while Espanyol are eight points behind in 19th place.