Nigeria's Uche scores a hat trick for Espanyol against Vallecano

Nigeria's Uche (Photo: Reuters)

Espanyol routed Rayo Vallecano 5-1 thanks to Kalu Uche’s hat trick for its first win in six games in the Spanish league on Sunday.

The Nigerian striker headed in the fourth-minute opener at Cornella-El Prat stadium.

Coutinho then scored his first goals since arriving at Espanyol on loan from Inter Milan. The 19-year-old Brazilian tapped in a cross from Sergio Garcia in the 10th and slalomed through two defenders to add another in the 23rd.

Uche netted with a chip shot to make it 4-0 before halftime.

Former Espanyol striker Raul Tamudo pulled one back for Rayo in the 54th, but Uche capped his treble off a pass from Garcia in the 68th.

Also, Atletico Madrid beat Granada 2-0.

Barcelona visits Racing Santander later Sunday.

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