A hat trick from Julián Álvarez handed Atlético Madrid just their second LaLiga victory of the season as Rayo Vallecano were beaten 3-2 at the Metropolitano.

A difficult start to the campaign looked like getting worse for Diego Simeone's side when the visitors took a 2-1 lead 13 minutes from time, Álvaro García finishing from a tight angle after running onto Isi Palazon's through-ball to cap off a fine breakaway move.

It came after Pep Chavarría had scored a remarkable goal to level the match in stoppage time at the end of the first half, collecting the ball midway inside the Atlético half and advancing forward before dispatching an outrageous 35-yard strike that rocketed past Jan Oblak.

Atlético captain Koke was fortunate to avoid a red card for seemingly grabbing goalkeeper Augusto Batalla by the throat.

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Álvarez had earlier opened the scoring for the home side to get the ball rolling on what at that stage had looked like being a routine victory, finishing left-footed from Marcos Llorente's cross.

Then came the fight back from the visitors who were looking to climb above their illustrious opponents with a victory.

There were just 10 minutes to play when Álvarez notched his second to equalise, finishing from close range to spare Atlético their blushes.

Then, when it looked like two points were set to slip away, the former Manchester City striker capped a fine hat trick when, having received the ball from Giuliano Simeone, he fired left-footed into the top corner to give the Atletico boss room to breathe.