Forlan double eases Atletico to opening win

A double by Uruguayan star Diego Forlan inspired Atletico Madrid to an opening 4-0 victory over Sporting Gijon here on Monday in the Primera Liga.

Forlan, who was named the best player of the World Cup finals where he scored five goals as Uruguay reached the semi-finals, scored his brace in the 40th and 64th minutes to add to Jose Jurado’s 11th minute opener.

The victory came fresh on the heels of the Europa League titleholders European Super Cup triumph over Champions League winners Inter Milan on Friday.

Jurado struck early on to show the team were not suffering from fatigue after their exertions against Inter when he shot home into the top right hand corner after a Jose Antonio Reyes corner had been partially cleared by the Gijon defence.

Forlan doubled their lead close to the break when he fired in at close range after being set up by Argentinian international striker Sergio Aguero.

The 31-year-old former Manchester United and Villarreal forward made no mistake in wrapping up the three points when Czech international Tomas Ujfalusi created an opening for him.

Atletico could have had a hatful more but wasted their chances until Portuguese veteran Simao popped up to add a fourth in time added on after being set up by Reyes.