Atletico Madrid continued their impressive home form with a narrow 1-0 victory over Alaves at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The decisive moment came early in the second half when Alexander Sørloth found the back of the net in the 48th minute, assisted by Pablo Barrios. This win marks another step in Atletico's strong La Liga campaign, keeping them in contention at the top of the table.
A Tense First Half with Few Openings
The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Alaves' P. Ibanez received an early yellow card for tripping, setting the tone for a physical contest. Atletico's J. Cardoso also found himself in the referee's book for a similar offense in the 27th minute. Despite Atletico's dominance in possession, they were unable to break down a resolute Alaves defense before the break.
Sørloth's Goal and Tactical Adjustments
The second half began with a burst of energy from Atletico, culminating in Sørloth's goal just three minutes after the restart. Alaves responded with a flurry of substitutions, attempting to shift the momentum. However, Atletico's tactical discipline and solid defensive work kept Alaves at bay, with the visitors failing to register a single shot on target throughout the match.
Statistical Insights and Player Performances
Atletico's control of the game was evident in their 54% possession and 23 total shots, compared to Alaves' eight. Sørloth's goal was a product of Atletico's persistent pressure, with Pablo Barrios playing a crucial role in midfield, contributing five key passes. Defensively, Matteo Ruggeri stood out with 11 duels, showcasing his tenacity and influence in breaking up Alaves' play.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Atletico Madrid extends their unbeaten run at home, reflecting their consistent form this season. As they look forward to their next fixtures, maintaining this momentum will be crucial in their pursuit of the La Liga title. Alaves, meanwhile, will need to regroup and address their attacking shortcomings to improve their standing in the league.
