Atletico bridge gap on La Liga leaders Real with 3-1 win over Levante

Atletico Madrid's 3-1 victory over Levante on Saturday has helped them to keep on the heels of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, thanks to two goals from Antoine Griezmann.

In-form Frenchman Griezmann nodded in a deflected Guilherme Siqueira cross after 18 minutes against a Levante side that struggled to cope with the physicality of the hosts.

Griezmann, who grabbed a hattrick in Atletico's final game before Christmas against Athletic Bilbao, then notched his eighth league goal of the season in the 47th minute as he headed in after Diego Marino saved Mario Mandzukic's effort, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Substitute Nabil El Zhar deflected an Ivan Lopez shot into the net for sixth from bottom Levante before Diego Godin sealed the win for Atletico with eight minutes.

Godin said that they should have finished off the game in the first half but they did not pressurise enough, adding that his goal calmed his side down as they had become nervous after conceding a goal.

Godin claimed that it was important for Atletico to finish the year winning and also start with another victory.

Atletico is currently placed third in the La Liga, level on 38 points with Barcelona who face Real Sociedad on Sunday when leaders Real Madrid, a point clear, take on Valencia looking to extend their 22-match winning streak, the report added.