Sorloths brace assists Atletico in regaining momentum

Alexander Sorloth scored twice to help Atletico Madrid secure a return to victories in La Liga, defeating Espanyol 4-2 in an exciting encounter on Saturday.

Diego Simones team, sitting in fourth place, claimed their first league win in four outings during a match packed with goals at the Metropolitano stadium.

The side lags 12 points behind leaders Real Madrid, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Osasuna earlier, rendering their title aspirations almost impossible.

Nevertheless, Atletico extended their advantage to six points over fifth-placed Real Betis, following the latters 1-1 stalemate against Rayo Vallecano.

Atletico will face Club Brugge at home on Tuesday in the vital second leg of their Champions League play-off, after a 3-3 draw in the first leg in Belgium on Wednesday.

"We needed this win today, as we have been dropping too many points lately and it was essential to triumph on our own pitch," said Atletico defender Marcos Llorente to Movistar.

"We were confident of that, and even after their early strike, the squad managed to reverse the situation.

"Our performance was strong, we created numerous opportunities, and this is the direction we must pursue."

Espanyol surged ahead in the fast-paced fixture via Jofre after just six minutes, yet Atletico dominated much of the proceedings.

Sorloth equalised for the home team in the middle of the opening period, and Giuliano Simeone, the managers son, struck shortly after the break to put the Rojiblancos ahead.

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman added the third goal, with Sorloth then nodding in a fourth as the action surged back and forth.

Edu Exposito rifled in a further effort for Espanyol from distance, offering little comfort to a team that began the campaign strongly but now endure an eight-match winless run, despite holding sixth position.

"Our aim is to secure a victory soon, which would greatly boost our confidence," Exposito shared with Movistar.

"We must stay composed, however, with the points we have accumulated keeping us in a solid spot."