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Griezmann, Gameiro shine as Atletico runs away with Group D

Juan Medina / Reuters

Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro combined with two second half goals to seal a 2-0 victory for Atletico Madrid against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in Champions League Group D action Wednesday afternoon.

With the victory, Atletico claims top of Group D heading into the knockout phase, with five wins in as many games including a big win against Bayern Munich at home.

Both sides started the match in lackluster style with the best chance of the first half falling to French international Gameiro, who rifled wide a close range cross from the in-form Yannick Carrasco.

While Atletico was already sure of qualification to the Round of 16, German powerhouse Bayern was still capable of winning the group if Atletico failed to win this evening.

The second half started with more energy on display which opened the game up as both sides threw more players forward in search of the first goal.

Exploiting the newfound space, it didn't take long for Atletico to break the deadlock.

Griezmann was instrumental in finding the feet of Gameiro on the edge of the PSV box and the striker found the back of the onion bag after the ball grazed the post on the way by.

Atletico led 1-0 after 55 minutes.

Ten minutes later and closely following a masterful piece of skill from Carrasco, Griezmann turned from provider to poacher as he capitalized on a Jeroen Zoet slip in net, to roll the ball past the stranded goalie to make it 2-0.

Related - Watch: Atletico's Carrasco ends Arias' career with savage piece of skill

Atletico wins the group on 15 points while Bayern also qualifies with 9 points. FC Rostov and PSV sit on 4 points and 1 point respectively with qualification out of touch.

Either Rostov or PSV will qualify for the Europa League with a third place finish in the group and they face off on Dec. 6.

Atletico takes on Bayern at the Allianz Arena in Bavaria on Dec. 6., and manager Diego Simeone may choose to rest the likes of Griezmann, Carrasco, and Diego Godin, as his team has already clinched the group.

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