Atletico Madrid have plundered three second-half goals to see off Valencia at the Vicente Calderon in La Liga.
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After a tight first half ended goalless, with the visitors being the better team, it was Atleti who eventually opened the scoring just before the hour mark.
It marked Diego Costa who got the goal - his 20th of the season - with a drilled effort into the bottom corner.
Raul Garcia came on to replace David Villa in the 61st minute and quickly made his presence felt by meeting Juanfran's cross to put his team 2-0 in front.
The home side were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute when Victor Ruiz hauled Costa down inside the area, but the Brazilian saw his effort repelled by Deigo Alves.
However, the striker got a second bite at the cherry when Ruiz upended him in the box once again in the 81st minute. This time he made no mistake, blasting into the top corner to leave the keeper with no chance.
Michael Penkman
