Alvarez Fires Atletico to Victory

Alvarez struck early in the second half to secure the victory for Diego Simeone’s side, who remain second in the table. Barcelona will host third-placed Real Madrid in the Clasico at Camp Nou on Sunday.

The Argentina striker has now scored in consecutive matches. He also found the net in Atletico’s 1-1 Champions League draw at Stuttgart in midweek.

His recent goals mark a positive turn after a difficult start to the season. Atletico supporters had criticised Alvarez during his early appearances after he tried to leave the club in the summer. However, the tension has gradually eased.

Deportivo created the best chance of the first half at the Metropolitano Stadium. Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a good save from Lorenzo Amatucci, while the hosts struggled to create clear chances.

Alvarez broke the deadlock early in the second half. Alejandro Grimaldo sent a low pass to the far post, and the forward turned it into the net. He nearly scored again after Alex Baena set him up with a smooth pass. However, Deportivo goalkeeper Leo Roman stopped his attempted lob with his face.

Atletico pushed for a second goal, but Alexander Sorloth fired narrowly over from a tight angle. Deportivo also threatened late in the match when Kevin Sanchez volleyed wide from Adama Traore’s cross.

Sanchez had another chance with virtually the last kick of the game, but Oblak saved his effort on the goal line to preserve Atletico’s lead. Elsewhere, Georges Mikautadze scored a late winner as Villarreal came from behind to beat Valencia 2-1 in their derby on Saturday.

Valencia took the lead through Pepelu’s first-half penalty. However, American defender Alex Freeman headed Villarreal level in the 69th minute. Both teams finished with 10 players. Villarreal’s Pape Gueye was sent off after elbowing Jose Gaya in the face.

Valencia midfielder Harvey Elliott, who is on loan from Liverpool, was also dismissed after receiving two quick yellow cards for apparent dissent. Mikautadze then broke through in stoppage time and finished well to secure all three points for Villarreal.

The victory moved Villarreal into mid-table, while Valencia remained 19th in the standings, inside the relegation zone.