Luis Suarez scored twice from close range in a 3-1 victory for Atletico Madrid against Elche on Saturday to move Diego Simeone’s side three points clear at the top of La Liga.
In a tight first half at the Wanda Metropolitano, Atletico wasted a clear chance to take the lead when France forward Thomas Lemar drove the ball straight at Elche ‘keeper Edgar Badia as the defence opened up.
Suarez was far more clinical in the 41st minute as the Uruguay forward got the slightest of touches to steer Kieran Trippier’s cross past Badia to take the lead.
The former Barcelona and Liverpool attacker then stretched to poke a cross into the net in the 58th minute.
Lucas Boye’s powerful header gave Elche hope in the second half but substitute Diego Costa fired in a penalty with ten minutes remaining to wrap up the three points for Atletico.
Atletico have 29 points, three more than Real Sociedad who visit Levante later Saturday, while Barcelona host Valencia.
Elsewhere, Lionel Messi equalled Brazil legend, Pele’s record of 643 goals for a single club after scoring for Barcelona in their 2-2 draw against Valencia.
The Argentine forward, 33, scored a diving header just before half-time immediately after his penalty was saved by Valencia keeper Jaume Domenech.
Messi scored his first goal for Barca in 2005 against Albacete.
Pele, 80, scored 643 goals in 19 seasons for Brazilian side Santos between 1956 and 1974.
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