The match remained tightly contested for much of the afternoon, with Atletico struggling to find their rhythm despite taking an early lead. The visitors broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Alejandro Grimaldo converted a well-worked opportunity, set up by summer signing Jonathan David. While Grimaldo nearly doubled the advantage shortly after, the hosts responded before the interval when Lucas Boye successfully converted a penalty following a foul by Robin Le Normand on Toni Martinez.
Late Drama Decides Tense Encounter
The complexion of the game shifted significantly just after the hour mark when Alaves were reduced to ten men. Angel Perez was shown a red card for a challenge on substitute Julian Alvarez, forcing the home side to defend deep for the remainder of the match. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Alaves remained a threat, with Mariano Diaz narrowly missing a chance to put his side ahead when he fired an effort over the crossbar.
Atletico pressed for the winner, with Alvarez coming close to breaking the deadlock when his free-kick struck the post. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 87th minute, as Alex Baena delivered a precise cross to the back post, where defender Cristiano Romero rose to head home the decisive goal. The victory moves Atletico within two points of league leaders Barcelona, who are scheduled to face Getafe later in the weekend.
