Joao Felix takes centre stage as Atletico down Osasuna

Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix scored two goals and was in the thick of the action as his side beat Osasuna 3-1 away on Saturday for a third consecutive La Liga victory.

The Portugal striker missed an open goal in the early stages of the game before giving his side the lead at the end of the first half from the penalty spot but then squandered a spot-kick at the start of the second period, hitting the post.

The 126-million-euro ($147 million) player soon made amends by getting Atleti's second, blasting into the top corner to complete a sensational counterattack and score for the fourth time in two games after his double in Tuesday's 3-2 Champions League win over RB Salzburg.

Osasuna did manage to strike back with a header from substitute Ante Budimir with 10 minutes to go but Atleti soaked up the pressure well and clinched the points with a late strike from Lucas Torreira, who superbly controlled a cross from Kieran Trippier on his thigh before smashing into the roof of the net.

The victory took unbeaten Atletico up to third in the standings on 14 points, two behind leaders Real Madrid who beat Huesca 4-1 earlier on Saturday but have played one game more.

Also on Saturday, Athletic Bilbao came from behind to beat Sevilla 2-1 at home with two late goals, inflicting a third consecutive league defeat on Julen Lopetegui's side.