Martínez, Carrasco enjoy Atlético redemption

Atlético Madrid's resounding 4-0 victory at home to Astana put them at the joint UEFA Champions League Group C summit, and the performances of summer arrivals Jackson Martínez and Yannick Carrasco in particular caught the eye.

Having succumbed to a lesson in finishing from Benfica on matchday two, Diego Simeone's men made no such mistake against the debutants from Kazakhstan and could have had more on a night in which they outclassed their opponents from start to finish.

Saúl Ñíguez's delightful back-heel got the ball rolling on 23 minutes before Martínez added a second soon after. Not content, the Rojiblancos pushed on after the interval and added another two in the second period courtesy of Óliver Torres and a Denys Dedchenko own goal.

"This is why I'm here; to bring the good work I did at my former clubs to Atlético," Martínez told UEFA.com. "I'm safe in the knowledge that I'm working hard and the results of that will be shown."

The Colombian has had an indifferent start to life at the Vicente Calderón, scoring just one goal in eight league appearances thus far, leading some to question whether he could take his scintillating form with Porto in Portugal to the Spanish capital.

For a moment it looked as if his luck was out once again as he saw a goal ruled out for offside after 27 minutes. Less than 120 seconds later, however, he got the rub of the green as his effort was deflected in past a helpless Nenad Erić in the visiting goal, much to the delight of his team-mates, who engulfed the striker in show of support as he opened his UEFA Champions League account for Atlético.

"Everyone has backed me, not just in this game but all season," said the 29-year-old of his colleagues' reception. "I've been well supported by everyone and I appreciate it. Things weren't going right but I was relaxed about it. I know that with hard work you can achieve your goals. I'm in a good place, with a good team and things are getting better."

Like the forward, Carrasco had also had teething problems slightly blight his first few months in Madrid. However, following a goalscoring cameo in Sunday's win against Real Sociedad, the Belgian international carried on where he left off with an outstanding display.

Working in tandem with Guilherme Siqueira down the left-hand side, the 22-year-old summer arrival from AS Monaco wreaked havoc all evening, setting up his side's opener while forcing Erić into action on more than one occasion.

Yannick Carrasco (left) in action against Astana©AFP/Getty Images

"Adapting was initially a bit difficult but now I'm feeling good both physically and in all other aspects," said Carrasco.

"That's how I play. To attack as quickly as possible and earn one-on-ones. You need a bit of confidence and a run of games to feel good and show what you can do."

With Atlético now having put their defeat to the Portuguese champions behind them, they join Benfica on six points and Carrasco stressed all eyes are on remaining there for the rest of the group stage.

"Obviously our aim is to win the group. We've got the side to come first; Galatasaray beat Benfica which has also helped us out and we'll see what happens from here on in."