Luis Suarez’s sizzling start to a new lease of life at Atletico Madrid has seen him now gain entry to a club occupied only by Cristiano Ronaldo, as the Uruguayan fired yet another goal on Sunday, finding the back of the net 12 times in 15 games.
Suarez scored the second of Atletico Madrid’s three goals against Valencia leading the way in a 3-1 win after Joao Felix fired the opener for Atletico in the 23rd minute, just 12 minutes after Valencia initially took the lead on a goal from Uros Racic.
Suarez cranked up in the 54th minute to put Atletico ahead before compatriot Angel Correa’s 72nd-minute goal sealed the result for Atletico.
Suarez’s goal on Sunday is his 12th this season, having only played 15 games to this point, making his start the best for a player at a new club in the Spanish league since Cristiano Ronaldo made the move to the Los Blancos, scoring 13 goals in his first 15 appearances.
The Uruguayan joined Atletico on a free transfer after being deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona and currently leads La Liga in scoring, level with Youssef En-Nesyri on 12 goals although the Sevilla star has played four more games.
After Sunday’s victory, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo heaped praise on the former Barca and Liverpool star, who he believes is still world-class despite being 34 years old.
“We have always thought Luis Suarez was the best center forward in Europe. We are lucky that he is with us and everyone is happy,” Cerezo said during a post-match interview with Mundo Deportivo.
Atletico Madrid are the current La Liga leaders with a seven-point lead at the summit. Despite also having a game in hand, Atleti have that seven-point lead on local rivals Real Madrid, who sit in second place, while Barca sit third, 10 points behind Diego Simeone’s boys.
“You can lose it or you can win it,” Cerezo said when asked about the title race. “We are in the middle of La Liga and there is a lot left. We are currently in first but there is a lot left.”
Next up for Atleti will be a visit to Cadiz on Sunday.