Atletico Madrid beats Almería 2-0 with Morata and Griezmann each scoring one goal.

### Atletico Madrid Triumphs Over Almería in 2-0 Victory

In a thrilling encounter on Tuesday night, Atletico Madrid secured their much-needed victory over Almería, securing the points they desperately needed to secure a top-four spot in La Liga. The match was played at the Vicente Calderón Stadium, where the home side dominated from start to finish.

#### Key Moments of the Match

1. **Morata's First Goal**: In the 5th minute, Antoine Griezmann delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Lionel Messi capitalized with a powerful header that deflected off goalkeeper Álvaro González and nestled between his legs for the opening goal.

2. **Griezmann's Second Goal**: Just before halftime, Griezmann executed a brilliant free-kick, taking advantage of a slack defending effort and bending it just past the outstretched arms of Almería goalkeeper Diego Godín.

3. **Almería's Attempts**: Despite their efforts, Almería could not find a way through Atletico's well-organized defense. Their best chance came in the 74th minute when Luis Suárez curled a shot from outside the box, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Diego Costa.

#### Head-to-Head Statistics

The two teams have had a competitive rivalry in recent seasons, but this game marked a significant improvement for Atletico Madrid. They managed to control possession throughout the match, creating numerous chances while Almería struggled to break down their disciplined defense.

#### Managerial Insights

Atletico Madrid's manager, Diego Simeone, praised his team's performance, saying, "We showed great discipline and composure in the final third. Our players were able to capitalize on our opportunities and execute our pressing strategy effectively."

Almería's manager, Jorge Sampaoli, expressed disappointment with the result, stating, "It was a difficult match for us. We tried everything we could to create chances, but unfortunately, Atletico Madrid controlled the game and found the back of the net twice."

#### Impact on La Liga Standings

With this win, Atletico Madrid moved up to fourth place in La Liga, maintaining their position as one of the most formidable teams in the competition. This victory also gives them hope of challenging for the title, especially if they can continue to perform at this level.

#### Next Steps

Atletico Madrid will now look to maintain their momentum against Real Madrid in their next fixture, which is scheduled for January 8th. Meanwhile, Almería will need to improve their defensive performance if they want to avoid further relegation threats.

As the league continues, both teams will be looking to make crucial decisions that could determine their future in Spanish football. The upcoming season promises to be exciting and full of surprises.