Alvarez nets brace as Atleti thumps Betis
Julian Alvarez inspired Atletico Madrid to a dominant 4-1 win over Real Betis on Monday, sealing a third-place finish for Diego Simeone's side.
With Barcelona having secured its place as La Liga champion, there was little at stake at the Metropolitano Stadium.
The visitor has already confirmed a sixth-place finish, with Manuel Pellegrini putting out a rotated side, likely keeping Betis's Europa Conference League final against Chelsea on 28 May in mind.
Alvarez opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a stunning free-kick into the top right corner from 30 yards out, comfortably beating Adrian's hopeful dive.
Robin Le Normand doubled Atleti's lead on the stroke of half-time, netting a towering header in off Samuel Lino's cross.
Betis regained some control in the second half with the introduction of Antony, Isco and Cucho Hernandez, and the visitor reduced the deficit in the 67th minute through Pablo Fornals's acrobatic volley from the edge of the penalty area.
However, Alvarez quickly netted his second of the night, tapping in from close range off Antoine Griezmann's centre eight minutes later to extend the host's lead.
The Argentine capped off an excellent display with a stoppage-time assist, setting Angel Correa up to finish from a tight angle and seal a comfortable win.
Atleti is third on 73 points, having already confirmed its place in the Champions League next season.
