Antoine Griezmann ran rampant as he took his La Liga tally to six goals while notching up his first hat-trick for Atletico Madrid as they came from a goal down to power past Athletic Bilbao in a 4-1 victory at San Mames on Sunday.
Mikel Rico, making his 50th appearance for Bilbao, headed the Basques in front after glancing home Mikel Susaeta's costless-kick in the 17th minute. The hosts retained their lead comfortably up to the break, where it looked like the La Liga champions were set to end a famous year on a low.
But with Diego Simeone evidently frustrated with the performance and a chance to have stern words with his players, Atletico would naturally prosper.
The Madrid club equalised immediately after the restart. Thirty seconds was all it took for the Argentine's commands to be portrayed on the pitch as a neat move saw Juanfran with the ball down the right, swinging in a cross which Griezmann finished with a forceful header.
Tiago then tumbled in the box and earned his side a penalty seven minutes later. The 33-year-old's fall produced strong protests from the Bilbao players but the controversy of the decision failed to hamper Raul Garcia as he sent Gorka Iraizoz the wrong way, turning the game on its head.
Griezmann secured the victory superbly after 73 minutes. The Frenchman, playing up front in place of the suspended Mario Mandzukic, controlled Gabi's cross-field pass with the outside of his boot before cooly slotting past Iraizoz.
He then completed his treble after unselfishly squaring the ball to Raul Garcia when through on goal again, but his shot was blocked and the rebound dropped back to the man of the match, who tapped in from close range.