Arda Turan scored twice to help Atletico Madrid take maximum points from their home encounter with Espanyol this evening.
The hosts started the brighter of the two sides and went on to open the scoring in the ninth minute. Diego's corner was met by Diego Godin, who planted a header into the top left-hand corner of the net.
However, Atletico's lead only lasted ten minutes as Didac slotted in after a low pass from Sergio Garcia.
Despite dominating the remainder of the half, Atletico were forced to head into the break level.
Atletico continued to control the proceedings after the restart as they forced Cristian Alvarez into a number of saves.
They eventually made the breakthrough for the second time thanks to Turan in the 59th minute. The Turkish winger fired into the net from just inside the area to put his side in front.
Turan then went on to double his side's advantage just two minutes later when he sent a left footed effort into the roof of the net.
Eduardo Salvio went close to extending the home side's lead in the closing stages, but his rising effort struck the post before being cleared to safety.
Liam Apicella
