MONTE CARLO: Atletico Madrid striker Falcao scored three goals and the Spanish side beat Champions League winner Chelsea 4-1 in the European Supercup on Friday.
The Colombian scored all three goals in a mesmerising first half, and hit the post twice. It was his second hat trick in five days, after scoring three times in a 4-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Monday.
Miranda completed the scoring for Atletico just after the hour mark. Chelsea dominated the possession but produced little of note, until defender Gary Cahill grabbed a consolation goal 15 minutes from time.
Falcao scored twice in last season’s Europa League final to help Atletico to a 3-0 win against Athletic Bilbao, sealing its place in the European Supercup.
It’s the second time Atletico has won the trophy.
The 26-year-old Falcao looked dangerous immediately, and almost gave Atletico the perfect start.
Filipe Luis made a superb run down the left flank and crossed in toward Falcao, whose diving header crashed off the crossbar, with Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech stranded.
Falcao did get off the mark in the sixth minute, though, collecting the ball from Gabi and drawing Cech towards him before firing the ball in off the far post. David Luiz tried in vain to clear off the line. (AP)
