Atletico Madrid have warmed up for their Champions League trip to Manchester United with a 2-1 La Liga win over relegation battling Cadiz.
Los Rojiblancos saw their fixture moved to Friday night to allow for an extra day of preparation ahead of their last 16 second leg tie at Old Trafford.
Diego Simeone’s side have now opened up a five point gap inside the Top Four overnight as they aim to seal a qualification spot in next season’s competition.
The hosts were on top from the off, as Portuguese star Joao Felix continued his recent fine form, with a breakthrough inside the first three minutes in Madrid.
João Félix makes it 5 goals in his last 5 games, as he punishes a massive mistake from the Cadiz keeper! 🔥🔥
That didn’t take very long for Atleti to open the scoring 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/Q1G7pwOaYJ
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) March 11, 2022
However, despite enjoying the better of the contest before the break, Atletico had to wait until the second 45 to make the points safe, as Alvaro Negredo levelled for Cadiz.
Simeone’s hosts kept their nerve late on, as Rodrigo De Paul steered home a loose ball inside the box, before teenage striker Javier Serrano was dismissed in the final minutes.
Rodrigo De Paul makes it 2-1! 🔴⚪
Can Cadiz respond or will Atletico Madrid hold on for a big win? 👀 pic.twitter.com/GkSkEXhUq0
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) March 11, 2022
Images via Getty Images
