ATLETICO MADRID put one foot in the Europa League last-16 – despite falling behind against Copenhagen.
The Danish hosts took an unlikely early lead through former Middlesbrough striker Viktor Fischer.
But it took just five minutes for Saul Niguez to level for the La Liga giants as he defied the swirling snow to head in from an Antoine Griezmann corner.
And Atleti never looked back as Griezmann stole the show at the Parken Stadium.
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The Frenchman’s clever pass found Theo Hernandez before half-time and the left-back squared for Kevin Gameiro to fire Diego Simeone’s side into the lead.
Griezmann, 26 – who clashed with his own fans earlier this month amid rumours of his impending departure – then ran onto Yannick Carrasco’s ball to make it three after the break.
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And Vitolo struck a fourth away goal when Peter Ankersen lost the ball on the edge of his own box.
Simeone was delighted with his side – who won the competition in 2010 and 2012 – for sticking to their game-plan despite conceding a shock opener.
The Argentinian said: “It was a very good match. I’m happy with the performance in general. The team started the match knowing what had to be done.
“We conceded, but that didn’t change or game-plan. With hard work and good play, we found the equaliser and it was easier to score after that. It was a good match with a good response from the team.
“Griezmann has been playing well these past few months. He plays better when the team does as well.
“He’s in good form and celebrated his goal with his mates who were warming up, a nice gesture.”
Title-chasing Atletico host Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Sunday before the return leg with the Danes next Thursday.
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