Alvarez hat-trick helps Atletico edge Rayo thriller

MADRID: Julian Alvarez scored a hat-trick to snatch Atletico Madrid a thrilling 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Wednesday. The Rojiblancos fell behind in the 78th minute but Alvarez, who had opened the scoring, struck twice more in the final stages to claim three points for Diego Simeone’s side. The Argentina international helped Atletico secure only their second win from six league matches during a shaky start to the campaign. Atletico are ninth and trail league leaders Real Madrid by nine points ahead of Saturday’s derby clash against Xabi Alonso’s side.