Atletico Madrid needed to find something extra to end the terrible run that saw them lose four La Liga games in a row – and they succeeded thanks to Angel Correa. The Argentine forward scored a double against Rayo Vallecano to give his time the edge and a much-needed victory.These two teams are neighbours in Madrid, with just 8 kilometres separating their grounds. They were also neighbours in La Liga table, with Rayo boasting the fourth spot on the turn of the year. However, today result sees Atleti leapfrog the brave Rayistas.Ángel Correa scores Atlético’s first two goals of 2022 – and ends a run of four straight Liga defeats. 👏👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/BujQA8jRnz— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 2, 2022 It was an even game throughout with the visitors even boasting a bit more time on the ball and the freedom to pass it around the Metropolitano pitch. But it’s an old story and the familiar tactics by Diego Simeone: let the opponents think they’re in control and use any chance to land a lethal blow. It’s a recipe that served El Cholo well for the most of the past decade he’s spent in charge of Los Colchoneros and it worked a charm tonight.Correa put his team ahead after half an hour of play as he seized an opportunity following a set piece routine straight off the training pitch. Ten minutes into the second half, there was Atletico’s guardian Angel to double the lead and virtually put an end to this match. Renan Lodi delivered a pinpoint low cross for Correa to beat goalkeeper Luca Zidane and set the final score.Thomas Lemar and Yannick Carrasco had chances to inflict an even higher defeat on Rayo, but they were wasteful in front of the goal. Luckily for the red and whites, the winless month of December is behind them and they can look ahead again.As for Rayo, they were lifted into La Liga heights by their amazing home form. Should they find a way to gather a few points away from Vallekas, they could end the season with an unlikely European qualification despite today’s setback.LA LIGA – ROUND 19FridayValencia – Espanyol 1-2 (0-0)/Alderete 51 – de Tomas 83 pen, Puado 88/SundayGetafe – Real Madrid 1-0 (1-0)/Unal 9/Elche – Granada 0-0 (0-0)Atletico Madrid – Rayo Vallecano 2-0 (1-0)/Correa 28, 53/20:30: (3.70) Alaves (3.20) Sociedad (2.25)20:30: (1.90) Betis (3.60) Celta (4.40)23:00: (3.50) Mallorca (3.25) Barcelona (2.30)Monday21:00: (1.35) Villareal (5.60) Levante (9.00)23:00: (3.40) Osasuna (3.00) Ath.Bilbao (2.50)23:15: (4.50) Cadiz (3.40) Sevilla (1.95)***odds are subject to change
