Atlético Secure Late Victory
Atlético Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés, with Cristian Romero scoring a dramatic 87th-minute winner. The late goal at Mendizorrotza ended Atlético’s four-match winless streak at the ground, providing a timely boost after the international break.
Match Summary
The visitors initially took the lead through Alejandro Grimaldo, who netted his third goal of the season. His strike followed a well-worked move that involved Jonathan David in the build-up, showcasing Grimaldo’s strong start to his Atlético career.
However, Alavés responded before half-time. Robin Le Normand conceded a penalty after fouling Toni Martínez in the area, and Lucas Boyé calmly converted the spot-kick to level the score at 1-1.
The second half saw Alavés reduced to 10 men, but Atlético still faced a resilient defence. Despite the numerical advantage, Diego Simeone’s side had to work hard to find a breakthrough.
The decisive moment arrived in the 87th minute when Argentine defender Cristian Romero, who joined Atlético from Tottenham, moved into an advanced position. He met Álex Baena’s cross at the back post, heading home his first goal for the club to seal the three points. Baena, who came on as a substitute, provided the crucial assist, making a significant impact in the closing stages of the match.
Impact and Context
This victory is particularly significant for Atlético Madrid, not only for breaking their poor run at Alavés’ home ground but also for providing a winning start following the recent international break. Manager Diego Simeone will be pleased with his team’s resilience, especially after conceding the equaliser. The ability to maintain pressure and capitalise on the extra player late in the game proved crucial.
Ademola Lookman, in his first appearance after a three-week international break, was assessed as imprecise, completing 16 of 18 passes. His impact in the first half was limited by Alavés defender Nahuel Tenaglia. Meanwhile, Pablo Barrios benefited from the protection offered by Koke and Johnny Cardoso in midfield, contributing to Atlético’s sustained pressure. Julián Alvarez, however, continued his search for a goal.