Alvarez has played a key role in Atletico's bid for a third title under Simeone, with Saturday's brace taking him to nine league goals despite a slow start to his debut season

Julian Alvarez bagged a brace to take Atletico Madrid provisionally top of La Liga with a 3-0 win at Valencia on Saturday.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone heaped praise on his star forward Julian Alvarez after he scored twice in their 3-0 win at Valencia on Saturday.

Atletico Madrid took provisional top spot in LaLiga with a comfortable 3-0 away win over toothless Valencia on Saturday.

Valencia coach Carlos Corberan was left disappointed after their 3-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid. However, Corberan was reluctant to dwell on a missed penalty call for Los Che, which even Atletico coach Diego Simeone believed should've been given.

Valencia have come a long way in recent months and are tough opponents despite their lowly LaLiga position, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone said on the eve of Saturday's match at the Mestalla Stadium.

Atlético de Madrid saw off Valencia with a 3-0 win at the Mestalla.  Scorers: Álvarez 12', 30', Correa 86'Julian Álvarez hit his 18th goal of the season after a Antoine Griezmann began a move

Luis García reacts to Atletico Madrid's 3-0 win over Valencia in LaLiga.

Atletico Madrid took provisional top spot in LaLiga with a comfortable 3-0 away win at a toothless Valencia on Saturday thanks to a first-half double by Julian Alvarez and a late strike by substitute Angel Correa.

Atletico Madrid bounced back from consecutive draws in La Liga with a 3-0 victory over Valencia on Saturday, but there was some controversy during the match at the Mestalla.With the score at 2-0 in