Valladolid vs Atletico Madrid: The Five Big Talking Points As Rojiblancos Thump Home Side

• Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid secured a nerve-wracking 5-2 win against Real Valladolid
• Four goals plus an own goal handed the capital club all three points in a seven-goal thriller
• The win leaves Atleti just two points behind city rivals Real Madrid on the La Liga standings

Atletico Madrid picked up their third win in their last four La Liga matches when they sealed a 5-2 win at Real Valladolid on Sunday evening.

The Rojiblancos had to hold their nerve to shut out a valiant second-half display from the home side, to secure all three points at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla.

Sports Brief takes a look at the five talking points from the seven-goal thriller between Atletico Madrid and Valladolid.

A game of two halves

Diego Simeone's men were out of sight after 38 minutes, picking Real Valladolid apart with three goals in a space of 18 minutes as they went into the half with three points virtually sealed.

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However, a spirited comeback from the home side in the second half put the cat among the pigeons, with the deficit reduced to only one after the 74th minute.

The home side would feel the woodwork was against their comeback as they agonisingly went within touching distance of levelling the scores.

Unfortunately, Atleti's quality came to the fore with two late goals, including a sensational goal from substitute, Memphis Depay.

Griezmann pulls the strings

Antoine Griezmann appears to have rediscovered the form that made him one of the most feared names in the Spanish top flight, reaching double digits for goals and assists.

The Frenchman was at the centre of everything positive Atletico Madrid did, churning out two assists as the Rojiblancos kept tabs on cross-town rivals, Real Madrid on the league standings.

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For good measure, only Kevin De Bruyne and Lionel Messi have more assists than Griezmann. With eight games to spare, Atleti will rely on the creative abilities of the star as they seek to end the campaign on a flier.

Atletico back to their best

After enduring a rough patch at the onset of the season, Atletico Madrid are back to their best, grinding results in a nervy fashion while making the opposition struggle to breach their water-tight defences.

The Rojiblancos have managed to tighten the bolt at their rear as the season wears down, while also sharpening their arsenal up front to pick eight wins in nine La Liga matches.

Perhaps they woke from their slumber a little too late, with Barcelona almost wrapping up the title. Nonetheless, the third force in Spanish football is back and next season could be keenly contested.

Molina continues to shine

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After a splendid display at the 2022 World Cup for Argentina, which culminated in Molina scoring the winning penalty, the wing-back has rarely put a foot wrong since returning to club football.

The 25-year-old opened the scoring for Atletico with a well-taken goal Griezmann and Morata would be envious of, while putting on a decent performance operating as the right wing-back.

Molina's lung-busting runs on the flanks proved to be a supply outlet for the Spanish giant's attack, with the Argentine being a thorn in the flesh of his opposite number.

Lady luck frowns on Valladolid

Valladolid will look at the scoreline and be dejected after putting up a passionate performance in the second half, which nearly resulted in an epic comeback but for Lady Luck.

A combination of VAR and ill fortune denied Valladolid a deserved third goal which could have changed the destiny of the match, with the game hanging in the balance before the 80-minute mark.

Unfortunately, it was not meant to be as a cruel own goal, and a last-gasp Depay strike, undid the strides made by Valladolid. Better luck next time, Pucela.