Atlético Madrid edged past Deportivo de La Coruña 1‑0 in the late hours of a La Liga match, with Julián Álvarez scoring his first home league goal in more than a year. The Argentine forward’s strike, which came just after the break, lifted the Spanish club to within two points of league leaders Barcelona and extended their unbeaten run to eight games.
Álvarez, who had been the centre of a highly publicised transfer dispute with Barcelona during the summer, made his first league start of the campaign in the match. The goal was his first in front of Atlético’s home supporters in a La Liga fixture since November 2025. His equaliser at Stuttgart in the Champions League had already seen him score twice in as many matches, but this home goal was a welcome relief for a side that had been under pressure from the start.
The match began with Deportivo creating early chances. Miguel Loureiro’s header was denied by Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who also made two other saves in the first half to deny long‑range attempts from Yeremay Hernández and a follow‑up from Lorenzo Amatucci. Atlético’s own shots from Lee Kang‑In, Pablo Barrios and Morten Hjulmand all missed the target, leaving the visitors with the advantage at half‑time.
Simeone’s tactical switch in the second half saw the introduction of Giuliano Simeone and Robin Le Normand for Barrios and Ademola Lookman. The change paid immediate dividends. Alejandro Grimaldo delivered a precise cross that Álvarez finished from close range, giving the hosts a 1‑0 lead. Atlético pushed for a second goal, with Álex Baena’s long‑range effort saved by Leo Román and a blocked shot from the Spanish midfielder. However, the visitors’ attempts from Dávid Hancko and Simeone were high and wide, and the game remained tight.
Deportivo threatened again in the closing stages, with Kevin Sanchez firing a stoppage‑time effort that was brilliantly saved by Oblak. The match ended 1‑0, with Atlético moving closer to the top of the table as Barcelona prepare to face Real Madrid in the upcoming Clásico at Camp Nou. The win keeps Atlético’s unbeaten streak alive and sets the stage for their next challenge in both league and European competition.