On Matchday 14 of La Liga 2024-2025, Atlético Madrid hosted Deportivo Alavés at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. It was a clash between two contrasting teams: Atlético aiming to keep pace with league leaders Barcelona, and Alavés seeking to climb away from the relegation zone. In a high-octane match with dramatic twists, Atlético Madrid secured a 2-1 victory, featuring late heroics from Griezmann and Sørloth.
The game held added significance as it maintained Atlético Madrid’s push for the title, while Deportivo Alavés were left pondering missed opportunities. The atmosphere at the Metropolitano was electric, with 58,910 fans witnessing a tactical and emotional battle.
Atlético Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés Lineups and Substitutes
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2):
Coach: Diego Simeone
Starters:
- GK: Jan Oblak (13)
- DF: César Azpilicueta (3), Clément Lenglet (15), Axel Witsel (20), Javi Galán (21)
- MF: Koke (6), Pablo Barrios (8), Marcos Llorente (14), Samuel Lino (12)
- FW: Antoine Griezmann (7), Ángel Correa (10)
Substitutes:
- Rodrigo Riquelme (17), Julián Alvarez (19), Giuliano Simeone (22), Rodrigo De Paul (5), Alexander Sørloth (9)
Deportivo Alavés (4-2-3-1):
Coach: Luis García
Starters:
- GK: Antonio Sivera (1)
- DF: Nahuel Tenaglia (14), Abdel Abqar (5), Manu Sánchez (3), Santiago Mouriño (12)
- MF: Antonio Blanco (8), Ander Guevara (6), Jon Guridi (18), Carlos Martín (15), Carlos Vicente (7)
- FW: Kike García (17)
Substitutes:
- Moussa Diarra (22), Toni Martínez (11), Stoichkov (19), Tomás Conechny (10), Aleksandar Sedlar (4)
Atlético Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés First Half
The game began with Alavés surprisingly taking control early. A handball by Javi Galán in the seventh minute led to a penalty, confidently converted by Jon Guridi to give Alavés a 1-0 lead. Atlético Madrid, shaken but determined, responded with a series of attempts from Marcos Llorente and Samuel Lino, though Sivera’s goalkeeping denied them.
Despite Atlético dominating possession with 70.1%, their attacks lacked the cutting edge in the first half. Ángel Correa received a yellow card in added time, capping a frustrating 45 minutes for the home side.
Half-Time Score: Atlético Madrid 0-1 Deportivo Alavés
Atlético Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés Second Half
Simeone’s tactical adjustments saw Sørloth and Giuliano Simeone introduced after the break. Atlético started pressing harder, and their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Abdel Abqar’s handball in the box gifted a penalty to the hosts. Antoine Griezmann coolly converted to level the score.
The turning point came in the 86th minute, with Sørloth firing home from Rodrigo De Paul’s incisive through ball. The goal epitomized Atlético’s relentless pursuit of victory. Alavés, though valiant, couldn’t find an equalizer, and tempers flared with multiple fouls in the final minutes.
Atlético Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés Full-Time Score: Atlético Madrid 2-1 Deportivo Alavés
Atlético Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés Stats
| Category | Atlético Madrid | Deportivo Alavés |
| Possession | 70.1% | 29.9% |
| Total Shots | 11 | 4 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 2 |
| Fouls | 18 | 19 |
| Corners | 5 | 0 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 3 |
| Penalties | 1 (1 converted) | 1 (1 converted) |
Atlético Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés Timeline
Key Moments:
- 7′ (Goal, Alavés): Jon Guridi scores from the penalty spot.
- 76′ (Goal, Atlético Madrid): Griezmann equalizes with a penalty.
- 86′ (Goal, Atlético Madrid): Sørloth scores the winner with a clinical finish.
Notable Incidents:
- 72′: Abdel Abqar’s handball sets up Griezmann’s penalty.
- 85′: Alavés forced into a double substitution due to injury concerns.
- 88′: Heated exchange leads to a yellow card for Tomás Conechny.
Impact on Points Table
Atlético Madrid’s win brought them closer to Barcelona, reducing the gap at the top of the La Liga standings:
- FC Barcelona: 33 points (13 matches)
- Atlético Madrid: 32 points (14 matches)
- Real Madrid: 27 points (12 matches)
Deportivo Alavés remained in the lower half, their fight for survival intensifying.
Player Achievements and Recognition
Atlético Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés Man of the Match
Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid):
- Scored a vital penalty.
- Orchestrated several key attacking moves, showcasing leadership and composure.
Special Mentions:
- Alexander Sørloth: Game-winning goal and constant aerial threat.
- Rodrigo De Paul: Creative dynamo, assisting Sørloth’s decisive goal.
Atlético Madrid’s gritty 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés demonstrated their resilience and championship credentials. While Alavés showed flashes of potential, Atlético’s experience and tactical depth prevailed. This match, part of the La Liga 2024-2025 season, further solidified the league’s reputation for drama and intensity.
FAQs
1. How did Atlético Madrid manage to win despite conceding first?
Tactical adjustments by Diego Simeone in the second half, particularly introducing Sørloth and Giuliano Simeone, changed the dynamic. A penalty and Sørloth’s clinical strike sealed the comeback.
2. Who stood out for Deportivo Alavés in the Atlético Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés La Liga Match?
Jon Guridi’s early goal and Antonio Sivera’s crucial saves kept Alavés in the game, but the team lacked finishing power in the second half.
3. What was the most critical moment of the Atlético Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés La Liga match?
The penalty awarded to Atlético Madrid in the 73rd minute shifted momentum. Griezmann’s equalizer gave them belief, setting up Sørloth’s winner.
This clash will be remembered as a test of Atlético’s resolve and their bid to dethrone Barcelona at the top of La Liga 2024-2025.
