La Liga: Morata finally scores as Atletico thrash Villarreal 2-0

Alvaro Morata's celebration finally counted this time. After twice having goals disallowed by video review in previous games, the newly signed striker got his first goal with Atletico Madrid in the 2-0 win over Villarreal in the Spanish league on Sunday.

Morata netted with a left-footed shot from near the penalty spot in the 31st minute, leading second-placed Atletico to the home win and keeping it seven points from leader Barcelona. The Catalan club won 4-2 at Sevilla on Saturday to stay comfortably ahead after 25 matches. Third-placed Real Madrid, now five points behind Atletico, visits Levante later Sunday.

It was Morata's fifth game with Atletico since joining from Chelsea in the winter transfer window. He had scored against Real Madrid in the Spanish league and against Juventus in the Champions League, but both times the goals didn't count. He was just offside when he found the net in the 3-1 loss against the city rival, and was called for a foul on a defender when he scored with a header in the team's 2-0 win against Juventus.

A former Real Madrid striker, Morata was loudly cheered by Atletico fans at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium when he was substituted by Diego Costa in the 58th. Many fans had been against his signing from Chelsea because of his Real Madrid links.

Villarreal, trying to recover from a dismal start to its season, hadn't lost in five consecutive games in all competitions. The setback left the club 18th in the 20-team standings.

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