Alaves 1-2 Atletico Madrid: Five key takeaways from LaLiga 2026-27 clash

Cristian Romero rescues Los Colchoneros with a late winner.

Deportivo Alaves welcomed Atletico Madrid at the Estadio de Mendizorroza in what became a close contest. In the end, it was Atleti who came out on top to secure three points in the matchweek 8 fixture of the LaLiga 2026-27 campaign.

The hosts tried to control the tempo of the game from the start, but their efforts were not quite enough. The Diego Simeone-led side were quick to turn the momentum and came up with an opening goal in the 33rd minute. Deportivo Alaves were stunned, but a spot kick late in the first half helped them level the scoreline.

Quique Sánchez Flores’ men tried to hold down the visitors, but their efforts were not good enough. They dropped three points as Ángel Pérez’s red card turned out to be costly for Alavés. This is a crucial win for Atletico Madrid, who are now on a four-match winning run in the LaLiga 2026-27 season.

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Important things we learned from Alaves vs Atleti:

1. Alejandro Grimaldo shines for Atletico Madrid once again

The 31-year-old Spanish full-back joined Atletico Madrid earlier this summer and has produced some top-of-the-line performances for the LaLiga club. He opened the scoring and helped his side take a one-goal cushion in the 33rd minute. Alejandro Grimaldo has now scored in three of the last four games for Atleti and is turning out to be a crucial asset. His ability to arrive in dangerous positions and provide a goal threat from wide areas makes him dangerous.

2. Lucas Boye’s spot kick not enough

Deportivo Alaves levelled things in the final moments of the first half. It was the 30-year-old Argentine forward who made no mistake from the spot and made the scoreline 1-1. Lucas Boye was one of the top performers for the host, but his goal was not enough to get his side secure three points. He must step up his game in the upcoming matches.

3. Red Card proved costly to Alaves

Deportivo Alaves were reduced to 10 men after Ángel Pérez was shown a red card with VAR intervention in the 61st minute. He came up with a dangerous tackle on Julian Alvarez and was first shown a yellow card by the on-field referee. The decision was later corrected after consulting the VAR and the 24-year-old was suspended. With Alaves down to 10 players, it became a pressurising situation for the hosts.

4. Cristian Romero delivers for Atleti

With the scoreline 1-1, both of these clubs were pushing for a winner. With just three minutes to go, Alex Baena delivered a sensational cross from the left flank and it was Cristian Romero who stepped up to score a match-winning goal with a clean header. This made the scoreline 2-1 and the fixture ended in favour of Atletico Madrid. This shows that the Argentine centre-back can be an absolute threat in the attacking front as well.

5. Atletico Madrid maintain pressure in the LaLiga title race

With this victory, the Diego Simeone-led side are now on a four-match winning run in the Spanish top division. Alejandro Grimaldo and Cristian Romero scored a goal each, helping Los Colchoneros to bag three crucial points in the LaLiga title race. Atletico Madrid are now in second place and are competing with an in-form Barcelona for the top spot. Atleti still needs some improvements in the attacking front as neither of their forwards have scored a goal in the last two league games.

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