Griezmanns Brace Delivers Atleticos Hard Fought Victory Against Levante

Antoine Griezmann entered as a substitute and netted twice for Atletico Madrid, clinching a 3-1 La Liga win against Levante on Saturday.

The Rojiblancos climbed to provisional third position, overtaking Villarreal, who face Espanyol later in a bid to claim second place with success.

League frontrunners Real Madrid head to Rayo Vallecano across the city on Sunday, as title holders Barcelona take on Celta Vigo.

Atletico built on their strong La Liga form with the decisive second half contribution from experienced striker Griezmann in a tightly contested success.

An own goal from Adrian de la Fuente put the home side in front at the Metropolitano, though Levante responded to tie it up courtesy of Manu Sanchez.

Griezmann, Atleticos record goalscorer, joined the action past the hour and scored a pair to claim the full points for his team.

Atletico have opened the scoring in all their La Liga fixtures this campaign and surged ahead in the 12th minute versus Levante.

A cross shot by Pablo Barrios from the right flank was deflected by away keeper Mathew Ryan directly onto his exposed teammate De la Fuente, who bundled it into the goal.

Levante drew level in the 21st minute when Atletico lost concentration during a corner. Sanchez rose unmarked to head in at the far post, marking the first goal conceded by Diego Simeoness men in four straight league outings.

The manager introduced Atleticos key figure Griezmann shortly beyond the 60 minute mark, and the 34 year old influenced proceedings within moments.

Griezmann slotted in from near distance following a pull back by Marcos Llorente, restoring the hosts advantage.

Levantes Goduine Koyalipou threatened an immediate response, yet Atletico custodian Jan Oblak produced a superb stop to deny his effort on target.

With 10 minutes left, Griezmann claimed his brace after Ryan blocked a shot from Julian Alvarez, leaving the rebound perfectly placed for the French attacker to stab home.

In added time, Levantes Carlos Alvarez bent a low free kick into the net, but officials disallowed it for offside on Matias Moreno, who had attempted a touch right in front of Oblak.