The Atletico Madrid vs Alaves fixture is always one to keep an eye on in La Liga. With both teams having rich histories and passionate fan bases, this match often delivers exciting football, big moments, and memorable performances. Whether you’re a loyal Atletico fan or support Deportivo Alaves, each match brings something new and thrilling to analyze.
In this article, we break down the top 5 highlights from their recent clash. From early goals to tactical shifts and key players making a difference, we’ve got all the action covered. Let’s dive into what made this encounter one to remember.
1. Early Goal Set the Tone
One of the standout features of this atletico madrid vs alaves clash was the early goal scored by Atletico Madrid. Within the first 10 minutes, Antoine Griezmann capitalized on a defensive error and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Scoring early gave Atletico a huge advantage. It allowed them to control the game’s pace and put pressure on Alaves, who then had to chase the game. Griezmann’s goal not only boosted morale but also showcased how dangerous Atletico can be right from the start.
This kind of start is something Diego Simeone’s team is known for: strong, fast, and sharp in transition. For fans watching, it meant they were immediately pulled into the drama of the match.
2. Solid Defense by Atletico Madrid
Defense has always been a key strength of Atletico Madrid under manager Diego Simeone. In this match, their backline was rock solid. Even though Alaves pushed forward, especially in the second half, they found it difficult to break through Atletico’s defensive wall.
José María Giménez and Mario Hermoso were central to this effort. They intercepted passes, made crucial tackles, and blocked several attempts on goal. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak also played his part with a few smart saves that kept Alaves at bay.
This defensive structure helped Atletico maintain their lead and frustrated Alaves attackers. The importance of a solid backline was clearly seen throughout the 90 minutes.
3. Alaves Showed Great Fighting Spirit
Though Alaves went down early, they didn’t give up. They regrouped after halftime and came out with energy and determination. Players like Luis Rioja and Samu Omorodion caused trouble for Atletico’s defense with their speed and dribbling.
Alaves managed to create a few good chances, especially from set-pieces. One of the closest moments came in the 68th minute when a header hit the crossbar — a moment that could’ve changed the game completely if it had gone in.
This fighting spirit is what keeps Alaves competitive in La Liga. They may not have the same resources as some bigger teams, but their heart and desire were clear in this fixture.
4. Tactical Substitutions Changed the Game
Another key highlight in this Atletico Madrid vs Alaves encounter was the impact of substitutions. Diego Simeone made clever changes in the second half to refresh his team and maintain control.
He brought on midfielders with fresh legs to stop Alaves’ momentum. Players like Marcos Llorente and Ángel Correa helped Atletico keep possession and push the ball forward more effectively in the final 20 minutes.
On the other side, Alaves’ substitutions also brought energy. However, they couldn’t find the final touch needed to score. This shows how important good timing and smart decisions from the bench can be in tight games.
5. Standout Player: Antoine Griezmann
There’s no doubt that Antoine Griezmann was the man of the match. From the opening whistle, he looked sharp and confident. His early goal was just the start of a great performance that included strong passing, smart positioning, and leadership on the field.
Griezmann has become the heartbeat of this Atletico Madrid team. In this match, he constantly found pockets of space and linked up well with his teammates. His work rate off the ball was also impressive, as he helped in defense when needed.
Games like these prove why Griezmann is still one of the top players in La Liga and why he’s so crucial to Atletico’s success.
Final Score and Match Statistics
The match ended with a 2-0 victory for Atletico Madrid. The stats tell a story of control and efficiency:
- Possession: Atletico Madrid 55% – Alaves 45%
- Shots on Target: Atletico Madrid 6 – Alaves 3
- Corners: Atletico Madrid 4 – Alaves 5
- Fouls: Atletico Madrid 13 – Alaves 10
While Alaves had their moments, Atletico’s ability to convert chances and defend well made all the difference. Your journey starts at our homepage—check it out today.
What This Means for La Liga
This result helped Atletico Madrid climb higher in the league table, keeping them in the race for the top four spots. With strong performances like this, they continue to show they are serious contenders.
For Alaves, while the loss was disappointing, there are positives to take forward. Their second-half performance showed they have the talent to compete. If they can start matches stronger, they’ll earn better results in future games.
La Liga remains highly competitive, and matches like Atletico Madrid vs Alaves are proof that every point matters. From title races to relegation battles, each fixture is packed with meaning.
Tactical Summary
- Atletico’s Formation: 4-4-2 with a fluid midfield that allowed quick transitions
- Alaves’ Approach: Compact 4-2-3-1 focusing on counters and wide play
- Key Strategy: Atletico pressed early and scored quickly, then dropped into a low block to defend the lead
Understanding these tactical setups gives fans a deeper appreciation of the strategies behind the game. It’s not just about goals—it’s about how the match is managed from the sidelines.
What Fans Are Saying
On social media, fans were full of praise for Griezmann and the overall team performance from Atletico. Some called it a “textbook win” and applauded Simeone’s tactics. Alaves supporters appreciated their team’s effort and highlighted the unlucky moments like the missed header and crossbar hit.
The fan reactions show just how engaged La Liga followers are and how much they care about even the smallest details of each game.
FAQ – People Also Ask
Who scored in the Atletico Madrid vs Alaves match?
Antoine Griezmann scored the opening goal, and Marcos Llorente added a second late in the game to seal the 2-0 win.
What formation did Atletico Madrid use against Alaves?
Atletico played a 4-4-2 formation with fluid movement in midfield and quick transitions during counter-attacks.
Did Alaves have any good chances in the match?
Yes, especially in the second half. Their best chance came from a header that hit the crossbar around the 68th minute.
How important was Antoine Griezmann in this match?
He was the standout player. Griezmann scored early, created chances, and helped control the game’s tempo with his experience and skill.
Where can I watch the highlights of Atletico Madrid vs Alaves?
Highlights are usually available on La Liga’s official YouTube channel or sports networks like ESPN and beIN Sports shortly after the match ends.
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