Fast start guides Atletico Madrid past Almeria

Atletico Madrid scored three times in the opening 30 minutes to earn a comfortable 3-0 victory over Almeria at the Vicente Calderon.

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Almeria were furious when Atletico were given an early penalty after Diego Godin went down under pressure from Mauro Dos Santos, but their protests were ignored by the officials as Mario Mandzukic slotted home from 12 yards to break the deadlock.

A vulnerable visiting defence struggled to recover from the early setback, and there was too much room on offer to Mandzukic seven minutes later as he picked out Antoine Griezmann, who kept his composure to find the bottom corner.

Griezmann's partnership with Mandzukic was a constant threat to Almeria, and the duo combined once again for the third goal as the latter's cushioned header allowed the Frenchman to turn in the box and finish emphatically.

Atletico dominated possession either side of the half-time interval, but Diego Simeone's side appeared content with their advantage as Almeria tightened up at the back to limit the chances on offer.

Corona came close to reducing the deficit with a low effort which drifted just wide of the target as Almeria enjoyed a spell on top.

However, Atletico remained comfortable, and Simeone used the opportunity to remove both Griezmann and Mandzukic ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last-16 clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

A clever piece of footwork from Raul Garcia set up the chance for a fourth late on, but he could only drag a shot wide of the post as Almeria avoided falling further behind.

Guilherme Siqueira was shown a red card in stoppage time for a debatable hand ball, but Atletico eased to a win which moves them three points behind Barcelona, and four adrift of leaders Real Madrid, in the La Liga table.