Griezmann scores hat trick as Atletico beats Getafe in Spanish league to seal Champions League spot
MADRID (AP) — Antoine Griezmann scored a hat trick as Atletico Madrid defeated Getafe 3-0 in the Spanish league on Wednesday to secure a Champions League spot next season.
The France international scored twice in the first half and again in the second to give Atletico its 12th straight appearance in Europe’s top club competition.
The victory at Getafe moved Atletico 11 points clear of fifth-place Athletic Bilbao with two rounds remaining. Athletic’s hopes of making it to the Champions League ended with a 2-1 loss at Celta Vigo.
Griezmann hadn’t scored since a brace in Atletico’s 3-1 win against Girona five matches ago.
“We’ve been qualifying for the Champions League for many years now, that has to be valued,” Griezmann said.
It was Atletico’s fourth straight league victory. It was the third straight defeat for Getafe, which stayed in 10th place.