Atlético Madrid come from behind to beat Alavés in Simeone's 700th game
Atlético Madrid managed a hard-fought victory over Alavés at the Metropolitano (2-1) in Simeone’s 700th game as coach. The Vitoria team took the lead from the penalty spot early on, Griezmann equalized from the spot in the 76th minute, and Sorloth scored the winner in the 87th minute to secure three vital points at home.
The red and whites did not play well, relying on sparks and the contributions of substitutes (especially the Norwegian, Giuliano, and De Paul) to avoid dropping points. Simeone opted for the players he had worked with during the break, with two exceptions: Oblak and Barrios.
The rest of the internationals started on the bench. In the 6th minute, Galán committed a childish penalty after a loss by Correa in the build-up. Guridi converted the penalty, fooling Oblak in the only action he had to intervene in during the entire first half.
The red and whites had to step up their game, with almost always sterile dominance. They moved the ball slowly, with predictable passes that did not surprise a well-positioned Alavés. Lino had the equalizer in the 19th minute but hit the crossbar.
Little else happened until halftime. Simeone had to react at halftime. He did so with a double substitution: Llorente and Galán stayed in the dressing room, and Giuliano and Sorloth came on. The Argentine made a statement of intent as soon as he came on, with a run down the right that ended with Sivera blocking the pass.
Lenglet then had a chance, but sent his header wide. Alavés remained well positioned, abusing time-wasting to frustrate the red and whites. Giuliano, however, was causing problems, getting into the area after a good pass from Julián, only to be denied by Sivera.
Simeone made his final changes and moved pieces for the first time. Sorloth headed in a cross from De Paul, and the ball hit Aqbar’s arm. The referee did not hesitate to award a penalty, which Griezmann converted to level the score. Giuliano’s energy and faith gave Atlético hope.
De Paul provided the order, with a through ball to Sorloth that the Norwegian brilliantly converted. Atlético had come from behind (again in the dying minutes) and now it was Alavés who were in a hurry. However, the third goal was closer, with a placed shot from Griezmann that Sivera saved.
There was no time for more. Atlético won their fifth consecutive game, coming from behind to beat Alavés thanks to the impact of the substitutes. De Paul, Giuliano, and Sorloth led the way in Simeone’s 700th game in charge of the red and whites. Crucial.
