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Torres watches as Griezmann lifts Atletico to 4th

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MADRID: A smiling Fernando Torres watched just four days on from a sickening blow to the head as Antoine Griezmann struck twice in Atletico Madrid’s 3-0 win over Valencia on Sunday.


Torres, a lifelong Atletico fan, was knocked unconscious during his side’s 1-1 draw at Deportivo la Coruna on Thursday and spent the night in hospital, although thankfully suffered no serious injury.


He was serenaded with a banner reading “the Calderon loves you” before kick-off and was soon on his feet in celebration as Griezmann finished off a fine team move after just 10 minutes.


Kevin Gameiro’s deflected effort doubled Atletico’s lead three minutes into the second-half before Griezmann completed the scoring seven minutes from time.


Victory moved Atletico back a point clear of Real Sociedad and into fourth in La Liga.


Torres is in his second spell at the Vicente Calderon after coming through the club’s academy to captain Atletico before leaving for Liverpool in 2007.


He remains firmly a fans’ favourite and was the centre of attention as he took his seat in the directors box ahead of the game.


However, on the field, it was Atletico’s other star man who put the hosts on course for a much-needed win in their quest for Champions League football next season. Griezmann’s wonder strike to secure a point at Deportivo had been overshadowed by Torres’s clash. But he produced another arrowing finish into the far corner from Koke’s through ball to open the scoring. — AFP


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