Falcao leads Atletico Madrid to victory

Published Apr. 1, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Diego scored on his first start for seven weeks as Atletico Madrid cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Getafe.

Eduardo Salvio put the hosts in front midway through the first-half as he brilliantly looped a header over Miguel Angel Moya from Filipe Luis' cross.

Diego then made it two just after the hour mark as his initial header off the bar rebounded kindly for him to tap home at the second attempt, and Radamel Falcao wrapped up the three points 13 minutes from time with another calm finish from Juanfran's cross.

Diego Simeone had made four changes to the side that defeated Hannover in the Europa league in midweek, including returns for Salvio and Diego, but it was another one of those coming in, Alvaro Dominguez, who prevented them going behind early on as he made a fine saving challenge to deny Miku as he bore down on goal.

The hosts were soon on the front foot though as Falcao just could not connect with Luis' cross and then failed to make the most of an error by Miguel Torres which allowed Cata Diaz to clear to safety.

Atleti did make the breakthrough on 23 minutes in an unlikely manner as another Luis cross to the back post was met by the diminutive Salvio and his header was perfectly guided inside Moya's right-hand post.

Diego Castro then had Getafe's best chance of the match five minutes before half-time but his diving header from Mane's cross flashed just wide.

Falcao thought he had doubled Atleti's lead just after the break but his overhead kick into an empty net after Moya had flapped at a cross was ruled out for offside.

However the Colombian was involved in the second goal 10 minutes later as he crossed for Diego who tapped home at the second attempt after his first effort had come off the bar.

And Falcao did eventually get his 20th league goal of the season as he side-footed Juanfran's fine cross from the right past Moya from close range.