Radamel Falcao is certainly giving Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo a run for their money. The Colombian international struck a splendid hat-trick as Atletico Madrid crushed Athletic Bilbao 4-0 in a Spanish La Liga match Monday.
Falcao opened the scoring with a brilliant individual effort in the 19th minute, before doubling his side's lead by latching onto a cross from Diego Godin at the back post.
The prolific striker completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot just before the hour mark, before Tiago added the icing to the cake late on, as Atetico warmed up nicely for their UEFA Super Cup match against Chelsea Friday.
After the match, Falcao said, he was keen to continue his form and hoped for a win against European Champions League winners Chelsea. "I am very happy with the game we just won," the forward told AS. "Our play during the victory was overwhelming.
"I have always said I'm happy with Atletico Madrid, and now want to exceed the number of goals I managed in my first season in Spain.
"The team is happy and well, and we will be going to try and win the Super Cup this Friday."
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, who will have the unenviable job of trying to stop Falcao from scoring, admitted Atletico, the Europa League winners last season after they defeated Bilbao in the final, would be a very difficult team to beat. "I've played against Atletico before, but since Diego Simeone's arrival in the dugout their playing style has changed," the experienced goalkeeper told Uefa.com.
"They're very disciplined, with an especially solid defence, and are difficult to handle on the counterattack.
"Also, because they're a Spanish team, they all want the ball and feel comfortable on it.
"With this change of style, Atletico are much more dangerous than when we faced them in the 2009-10 Champions League.
"Success has helped them. They are very well-drilled so beating them won't be easy."