Julian Alvarez bagged a brace to take Atletico Madrid provisionally top of La Liga with a 3-0 win at Valencia on Saturday. Villarreal, fifth, kept the pressure on the top four with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Rayo Vallecano.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone heaped praise on his star forward Julian Alvarez after he scored twice in their 3-0 win at Valencia on Saturday.

Julian Alvarez scored twice as Atletico Madrid downed struggling Valencia 3-0 to move, at least temporarily, top of LaLiga.

Atlético de Madrid saw off Valencia with a 3-0 win at the Mestalla.

Julian Alvarez scored twice to help Atletico Madrid win 3-0 at Valencia on Saturday and lift his team provisionally into first place of the Spanish league.

Atletico Madrid ended Valencia’s three-game winning home run by beating them 3-0 in today’s early evening La Liga action, provisionally sending themselves to the summit while increasing Valencia’s chances of a first demotion since 1986.

Julian Alvarez netted a first-half double before Angel Correa came off the bench to add gloss to the scoreline for Atletico Madrid, who took a comfortable 3-0 away from a toothless Valencia.

Alvarez has played a key role in Atletico's bid for a third title under Simeone, with Saturday's brace taking him to nine league goals despite a slow start to his debut season

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone heaped praise on his star forward Julian Alvarez after he scored twice in their 3-0 win at Valencia on Saturday. Simeone said he was delighted with Alvarez's maturity and humility as well as his determination to work hard and stay focused despite a slow start in his debut season in the Spanish capital.

Julián Alvarez opens the scoring for Atletico Madrid against Valencia in LaLiga.