Atletico Madrid almost threw away a four-goal lead against Rayo Vallecano in an entertaining seven-goal capital derby on Sunday night.
A confident first half from home side Atleti saw them dominate proceedings and create most of the clear-cut chances.
Diego Costa, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Rayo, set up the only goal of the opening 45 on the half-hour mark, when his run into the box and cut-back found an unmarked Mario Suarez to side-foot in.
It was only three minutes into the second half when the lead was doubled, when Radamel Falcao played Costa into the box, and his cut-back this time found Koke for a simple finish from a few yards out.
Less than two minutes after that, Atleti went three up, as Arda Turan capitalised on yet another cutback to side-foot in.
Costa continued to haunt his former teammates and earned a penalty for the home side before the hour mark, which Falcao duly converted.
Atletico were comfortable and although they allowed Rayo back into play, they continued to threaten them on the break.
However, as they continued to sit back, a quickfire late double from substitute Andrija Delibasic, both tap-ins from well-placed crosses, was followed up by Leo Baptistao’s 88th minute strike to make it 4-3 and a nervy ending for Diego Simeone’s side.
However, the home side managed to hold on to secure a second successive League win and inflict upon Rayo a first defeat of the season.
