Atletico Madrid`s Argentine forward #19 Julian Alvarez celebrates with Atletico Madrid`s French forward #07 Antoine Griezmann scoring his team`s third goal during the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, on April 24, 2025. Photo: AFP

Atletico Madrid bounced back from their recent loss at Las Palmas, securing a comfortable 3-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Real Betis strengthened their Champions League hopes with a dominant 5-1 victory over Real Valladolid, condemning the visitors to relegation in what had been an inevitable outcome for some time.

Although Atletico Madrid have little left to play for with Barcelona holding a 10-point lead and just five matches remaining, they delivered a solid performance in the derby.

Alexander Sorloth gave Atletico the lead just three minutes in, heading home a cross from Giuliano Simeone, the son of coach Diego Simeone, at the back post. The Norwegian striker could have added more, but he squandered several chances. Sorloth headed over the bar shortly after and was denied by Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.

Despite Atletico`s dominance, Rayo had their moments, with Isi Palazon testing goalkeeper Jan Oblak with a powerful shot that required a fine save. Sorloth missed another headed chance before Conor Gallagher doubled Atletico`s lead just before halftime, nodding in a cross from Rodrigo de Paul.

Rayo tried to respond, but Oblak made another crucial save, tipping over a Palazon header. Atletico substitute Antoine Griezmann had a chance to add to the lead but fired just wide after being set up by Julian Alvarez`s backheel. Alvarez eventually sealed the win in the second half, scoring his 15th La Liga goal of the season with a pass from Griezmann.

In Seville, Real Betis put on a show to keep their top-five hopes alive, thrashing Valladolid 5-1 at the Benito Villamarin. Isco found the back of the net for Betis in the convincing win. Valladolid, who were promoted last season, will return to the second division after a poor campaign, losing 25 of their 33 matches.

Betis’ victory lifted them to fifth place, two points ahead of Villarreal, who have a game in hand and will play Espanyol on Sunday.

In other matches, Osasuna defeated Sevilla 1-0, and Leganes earned a late 1-1 draw at home against Girona. Leganes remains in 19th place, still four points adrift of safety.