Alvarez hat-trick helps Atletico edge Rayo thriller

Julian Alvarez netted a hat-trick to secure Atletico Madrid a dramatic 3-2 victory against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Wednesday.

The Rojiblancos went behind in the 78th minute but Alvarez, having started the scoring, added two more goals late on to earn the points for Diego Simeones team.

The Argentina forward aided Atletico in gaining just their second victory from six league games amid a challenging beginning to the season.

Atletico sit in ninth place, nine points behind top side Real Madrid before Saturdays derby meeting with Xabi Alonsos outfit.

"We required those three points to build some confidence through a win, we have been performing decently but minor errors prevented solid outcomes," Alvarez said to Movistar.

"We must continue training and refine certain aspects to embark on a sequence of victories."

Alvarez, who squandered a spot-kick in Atleticos lacklustre tie with Mallorca last weekend, initiated the scoring at the Metropolitano stadium.

The 25-year-old, arriving from Manchester City in 2024, smashed in a volley from Marcos Llorentes high cross after 15 minutes to set things in motion.

The forward could have claimed a brace prior to the interval yet blazed over the bar from Nahuel Molinas precise pass.

Rayo punished the home side in added time of the first half as Pep Chavarria unleashed a stunning long-range strike that flew into the top corner beyond Atletico custodian Jan Oblak.

Rayo replacement Alvaro Garcia put his side in front by going through on goal, evading Oblak and slotting in from a narrow position.

This sparked fury in Atletico who surged ahead and soon levelled the score.

Rayo shot-stopper Augusto Batalla denied a strike from Simeoones son Giuliano, yet Alvarez pounced to ram the loose ball into the net from close proximity.

Giuliano struck the frame of the goal with a powerful effort as Atletico sought the decisive strike.

As Rayo faltered, Alvarez sealed his hat-trick in the 88th minute with an excellent effort from outside the area to outfox Batalla.

Following complaints over his withdrawal in the Mallorca match, Alvarez demonstrated to his manager versus Rayo the value of keeping him involved.