Radamel Falcao inflicted another mauling on Athletic Bilbao when he netted a fine hat-trick for Atletico Madrid in a crushing 4-0 home win in La Liga on Monday. The Colombia striker known as the tiger took his tally against the Basque club to seven in three matches following last season's doubles in the 3-0 Europa League final victory and a 2-1 success in La Liga.
His first on a warm night at a vibrant Calderon came in the 18th minute when he left marker Mikel San Jose for dead and dinked the ball over onrushing Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz from a narrow angle. Three minutes before the break he leaped acrobatically to volley home a Diego Godin centre at the far post, a goal reminiscent of Johan Cruyff's famous effort for Barcelona against Atletico in the early 1970s. Falcao stroked in a third from the penalty spot in the 59th minute and was given a rousing ovation when he was replaced by Tiago 10 minutes from time. The Portugese midfielder was only on the pitch for three minutes before he lashed a superb drive high into the net from 20 metres for Atletico's fourth.
Atletico's impressive victory after last weekend's 1-1 draw at Levante put them on four points, two behind Barcelona, Real Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano, the only teams to win their opening two matches. It was a wretched night for Bilbao in the Spanish capital and they have now conceded nine goals after last weekend's 5-3 home thrashing by Real Betis. Promoted Valladolid maintained their impressive start to the campaign on Monday when Victor Perez netted twice from the penalty spot in a 2-0 home win over 10-man Levante.