MADRID — Julián Alvarez scored a late winner to complete a hat trick and lead Atletico Madrid to a 3-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish league on Wednesday.

It was only a second league win for Atletico, which entered the match enduring one of its worst starts to a season since coach Diego Simeone took over in late 2011.

Alvarez scored the winning goal in the 88th minute with a left-foot shot from outside the area that hit the top corner.

“He is extraordinary, our best player,” Simeone said. “We need him at his best.”

The Argentina international had put the hosts ahead in the 15th and added the second in the 80th.

“We needed to win to gain some confidence,” Alvarez said. “We had been playing well but the results weren't coming because of details. We need to keep working to tr

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