Atlético de Madrid achieved their fourth consecutive victory in LaLiga after beating Alavés 2‑1 at the Mendizorrotza. The decisive goal came in the 87th minute, when Cuti Romero finished off a header after a precise pass from Baena, sealing the victory for the rojiblancos who already had ten players after the expulsion of Ángel Pérez.
The match began with a dominant Atlético that controlled the ball and generated numerous scoring opportunities. The first half was defined by a penalty converted by Lucas Boyé, which gave Simeone's team a 1‑0 lead. The penalty arose after a “grab” by LeNormand in the area, an infraction that led to the expulsion of the French defender and left Alavés with a disadvantage of one player. The referee, Alejandro Quintero González, also sanctioned Lookman and Johnny Cardoso with yellow cards during the first half.
Despite the advantage, Alavés showed intense pressure and managed to tie in the 51st minute with a penalty from Lucas Boyé, after the same infringement by LeNormand. The visitor's goal came in the final minutes of the first half, when the Argentine striker benefited from a foul by Lookman that created the opportunity. Alavés, with ten men, tried to react in the second half, but Atlético maintained possession and superiority in the game.
The key moment came in the 87th minute, when Baena executed a pass with the outside of his foot that found Cuti Romero in the penalty area. The forward, with a precise header, put the ball in the back of the net and gave Atlético 2‑1. The goal became the decisive piece of a victory that consolidated the rojiblancos' position in the league table.
Alavés, who had suffered an expulsion and an injury to their striker Ángel Pérez, were unable to reverse the situation. The referee also showed a yellow card to Johnny Cardoso in the 92nd minute, and the home team ended up with ten players on the field. The final result left Atlético with three points and Alavés with none, while Atlético remains in the fight for the European qualification places.
With this victory, Atlético de Madrid advances in the table and prepares its next match on the second day of the group stage of the Champions League, where they will host Manchester United at the Metropolitano.