Julián Álvarez sparks Atlético surge as La Coruña fall short
Atlético de Madrid beat Deportivo de A Coruña 1‑0 on Saturday in the tenth round of LaLiga, thanks to Julián Álvarez’s first league goal. The win marks the club’s sixth consecutive victory and lifts them to second place, two points behind Barcelona, who host Real Madrid in the El Clásico on Sunday.
Álvarez ends long LaLiga drought
Atlético dominated but struggled against a five‑man back line marshalled by centre‑back José María Giménez. Lorenzo Amatucci rattled a shot at the 28‑minute mark, only for Jan Oblak to stretch his foot and deny the visitors.
Alejandro Grimaldo delivered a left‑wing cross and Álvarez headed home at the 48‑minute point. The Metropolitano crowd celebrated wildly, seemingly forgetting the Argentine’s earlier transfer rumour linking him with Barcelona.
Álvarez enjoyed another chance at the 70‑minute mark, but Leo Román saved the follow‑up. Jan Oblak later tipped Kevin Sánchez’s effort onto the line in stoppage time (90+5), preserving the clean sheet.
The goal was Álvarez’s first in the Spanish top flight since November of the previous year and his second consecutive game finding the net after the 1‑1 Champions League draw with Stuttgart on Tuesday.
Álvarez asks forgiveness from Atlético after Barcelona deal collapses
Atlético climb fuels Barcelona‑Real Madrid showdown
With the victory, Atlético moves to second place, now two points adrift of league leaders Barcelona. Barcelona will welcome Real Madrid in the El Clásico on Sunday, a match that could decide the title race.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Villarreal edged Valencia 2‑1. Pepelu opened the scoring from the spot at 38 minutes, Alexander Freeman equalised at 69, and after Pape Gueye (79) and Harvey Elliott (89) were sent off, Georges Mikautadze struck in added time (90+6) to clinch the win.
Racing de Santander also secured a 2‑1 victory over Espanyol, while Elche dispatched Rayo Vallecano 3‑0 away from home.
Klopp backs Barcelona over Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico at Camp Nou
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