Jonathan David's historic start at Atlético: three goals in his first three LaLiga matches

Jonathan David scored Atlético de Madrid's second goal in Sunday's derby against Real Madrid and extended a start to the season that is already part of the club's history. The Canadian striker connected with a precise cross from Giuliano Simeone on the right flank, threw himself to the ground and fired the ball past Thibaut Courtois with his left foot. With that goal, David has now scored three times in his first three league appearances, a feat no Atlético player had achieved since the 1995-96 campaign.

• Jonathan David scored the 2-0 in the derby against Real Madrid and was given a standing ovation when he was substituted.
• He has three goals in his first three LaLiga matches, averaging one every just over 50 minutes.
• He is the first Atlético player to score in his first three league appearances since Lubo Penev in 1995.
• The Canadian is only the seventh player in Atlético's entire history to achieve that scoring start.
• Diego Simeone praised his form: "He has played three games and scored three goals."

Jonathan David's derby goal that defeated Real Madrid

At the Metropolitano, Atlético punished Real Madrid with a textbook attacking move. Giuliano Simeone broke down the right wing, looked up and delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Jonathan David attacked the space with excellent timing, got ahead of the defense and connected a left-footed finish while falling to the ground, leaving Courtois with no chance. The goal made it 2-0 and left the visitors in deep trouble in a match that ended with a rojiblanco victory and a loud ovation for the Canadian when he left the pitch.

Three goals in 160 minutes: the Canadian striker's immediate impact in LaLiga

David made his official debut for Atlético in the Champions League against Liverpool, playing 17 minutes at Anfield. His first LaLiga appearance came at Anoeta against Real Sociedad, where he was given half an hour and already found the net. Injuries to Alexander Sorloth and Julián Álvarez opened the door for him to start against Osasuna, and he responded with another goal in the 68 minutes he spent on the pitch. In the derby he was again in the starting eleven and scored once more before making way for La Araña after 62 minutes.

A start that matches Lubo Penev's record from the 1995-96 season

To find a similar start at Atlético, you have to go back to Lubo Penev. The Bulgarian scored six goals in his first four league matches for the club: two against Real Sociedad, two against Racing, one against Athletic Club and another against Sporting. He finished that season with 16 goals in LaLiga and six more in the Copa del Rey. David now matches the mark of scoring in his first three league appearances, joining one of the most memorable forwards of the 1990s at Atlético.

Jonathan David joins an elite group in Atlético de Madrid's history

With his goal against Real Madrid, the Canadian became only the seventh player in Atlético's entire history to score in his first three LaLiga appearances. Before him and Penev, the feat was achieved by Aguilar in 1975, Mendonça in 1958, Miranda and Fernández in 1941, and Pruden in 1940. It is a record that highlights how unusual David's start has been, especially for a newcomer still adapting to the team, the city and the competition.

Simeone backs David and the Metropolitano pays tribute

Simeone did not hide his satisfaction with the striker's form in the press conference after the derby. "I am very happy with Jonathan. He has played three games and scored three goals," the Argentine coach summarized. His words were echoed by a crowd that already considers him one of their own: David received a notable ovation when he was substituted, a sign of the impact he has made in just a few weeks.

The attacking reinforcement Atlético had been searching for

Jonathan David's arrival has solved one of Atlético's biggest attacking concerns: the ability to threaten the opposing box with a decisive striker from day one. His average of one goal every just over 50 minutes in LaLiga, with only 160 minutes played, makes him one of the most exciting stories of the rojiblanco season so far. The Canadian is proving he does not need weeks of adaptation to make a difference, and his form raises interesting questions about his role once the squad is fully fit.