European football roundup: Simeone’s son scores for Atlético, Napoli thrashed

Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone praised his son Giuliano after the 21-year-old scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 win over Las Palmas.

Simeone said he was happy to be back to winning ways in La Liga after a loss at Real Betis last weekend, as third-placed Atlético look to regain momentum in their campaign.

“He’s working well, he’s training well … it’s important for his growth. As long as there is humility, the heart always responds,” Simeone told Movistar, while giving credit to Nahuel Molina’s pass that led to Giuliano’s goal.

Simeone, however, said he did not see Giuliano any differently from other players in his squad. “The club didn’t spend money to buy a son, he is a boy who was in the youth academy… we believe he can help. He will have good games and bad games, but for sure he has what it takes.”

Atlético midfielder Koke also also praised Giuliano Simeone, who suffered a broken leg last year. “I’ve known him since he was very young and I’m happy to see his progress, especially after his serious injury last season,” Koke said. “He’s showing that he has the level to be with us and compete and score goals.”

Leaders Barcelona beat Espanyol 3-1 in the Catalan derby on Sunday thanks to a first-half double from Dani Olmo and a goal from Raphinha.

The victory moved Barcelona nine points clear of Real Madrid, who did not play away at Valencia this weekend after their match was postponed due to the devastating floods in the region. Espanyol are 17th, a point above the relegation zone.

Barcelona dominated possession from the outset and Olmo was busy in the first half, scoring two sublime goals after finding space in and around the box, while Raphinha also scored to give the hosts a 3-0 lead at the break.

After VAR disallowed two Espanyol goals for offside, they finally beat the offside trap when Javi Puado scored to deny Barcelona another clean sheet but the home side took the three points and claimed bragging rights once again.

Ademola Lookman scored twice in the first half to inspire Atalanta to an emphatic 3-0 win at Serie A leaders Napoli as the visitors moved second in the standings.

Lookman opened the scoring after 10 minutes, volleying home from close range after a headed cross from Charles De Ketelaere. He is now the Serie A player directly involved in the most goals in 2024 in all competitions with 16 goals and 11 assists.

The Nigerian doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark with a long-range strike from another De Ketelaere pass, before substitute Mateo Retegui added the third in stoppage time to end Napoli’s 100% home league record this season.

Europa League champions Atalanta, provisionally second on 22 points, have cut the gap to their opponents at the top to three points. They are one point above third-placed Internazionale, with a game in hand, and Juventus in fourth.

Napoli, who clinched a 2-0 win at Milan on Tuesday, were unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions, winning their previous five Serie A fixtures. They face Inter next.

More to follow …