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Atletico Madrid climbed to the top of La Liga with a tense 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, capitalising on Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Real Betis earlier in the day.
Julian Alvarez proved the difference at the Metropolitano Stadium, netting a second-half winner just minutes after coming off the bench. However, Atletico were fortunate to escape with all three points as Athletic Bilbao hit the woodwork three times in their relentless search for an equaliser.
The match started with both sides creating early chances. Robin Le Normand sent a header over the bar for Atletico, while Jan Oblak was called into action to deny Inaki Williams at the other end. Simeone’s son, Giuliano, was a lively presence on the right, frequently troubling Bilbao’s defence in the first half.
As Atletico pressed for an opener, Dani Vivian made crucial defensive interventions, blocking Samuel Lino’s shot and later clearing an Alexander Sorloth header off the line. Meanwhile, Williams came close again for the visitors, firing into the side netting.
Diego Simeone turned to his bench just before the hour mark, introducing Marcos Llorente and Alvarez. The duo combined to break the deadlock in the 66th minute, with Llorente delivering a precise low pass for the former Manchester City forward, who coolly slotted home his eighth league goal of the season.
Atletico nearly doubled their lead when Angel Correa tested Unai Simon, but Bilbao came agonisingly close to levelling the score. Benat Prados struck the post, and Williams was twice denied by the crossbar, with his second effort deflecting off Nahuel Molina before bouncing back off the frame.
Despite the late scare, Atletico held firm to claim a crucial victory. However, their time at the summit could be short-lived, as Barcelona—trailing by two points—have a chance to reclaim first place when they face Real Sociedad on Sunday.
