Following a wonderful result in the derby against Real Madrid almost three weeks ago, expectations were high for Atlético coming out of an extended international break. Fortunately, Diego Simeone's men were able to live up to those expectations after earning an outstanding result against Deportivo Alavés.
This result ends Atlético's four-match winless run at Mendizorrotza and, more importantly, narrows the gap to two points with respect to league leaders Barcelona.
The opening 30 minutes between Alavés and Atlético played out pretty much as expected, with plenty of intensity but a lack of quality in the final third from both sides. Atleti eventually broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute following a brilliant give-and-go between Jonathan David and Alejandro Grimaldo, the latter finishing off the move to open the scoring.
Atleti appeared to be cruising into halftime with a 1-0 lead before Robin Le Normand decided he wanted to have a say in matters. The France-born defender wrestled Toni Martínez to the ground inside the box, conceding a penalty that Lucas Boyé converted to bring Alavés level at 1-1 in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time.
The second half was a fairly dull affair until the 60th minute, when Ángel Pérez fouled Julián Alvarez just outside the box. The foul from Pérez was initially ruled a yellow card until VAR intervened and the foul was upgraded to a red card. Alavés would play out the remaining 30 minutes of the match with 10 men.
It appeared to be another frustrating trip to the Mendizorrotza Stadium as Atleti could not break through the staunch Alavés defense, until Álex Baena delivered a wonderful ball into the opposition's box, which Cuti Romero masterfully headed home to put Atleti in front with four minutes to go.
It's a deserved result for Atleti. Los Rojiblancos played some good football and were able to overcome a defensive lapse from Le Normand to deliver an encouraging performance.
Here are Into the Calderon's player ratings from a victorious afternoon in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Jan Oblak
Oblak delivered three brilliant saves in fives minutes in the dying moment of the first half, but unfortunately could not save the penalty from Boyé that Le Normand surrendered at the 45 minute mark. 7
Alejandro Grimaldo
After he withdrew from Spain camp with an injury, many speculated Grimaldo wouldn't feature in this game, let alone start. But thankfully for Atleti supporters, he did. Grimaldo with his fourth goal contribution in four matches. He appears to have fully found his footing with the club and his confidence is high. My Man of the Match. 9
Robin Le Normand
Poor defending from Le Normand late in the first half saw him wrestle Toni Martínez to the ground inside the box, conceding a penalty. The Spain international is quickly approaching Clément Lenglet levels of liability at the back. If Atleti are to maintain their defensive solidity, Le Normand cannot be someone Simeone continues to rely on. 1
Cuti Romero
Defensively, it was a quiet outing from Romero today, although in fairness, he wasn't exactly called upon to do much. Offensively, however, the Argentine made his presence felt by scoring the winning goal following a fantastic ball from Baena. Romero's impact on this Atlético de Madrid side cannot be overstated. He brings a level of confidence and stability to the backline while finally providing Atleti with the aerial threat they have desperately missed for so long. 8
Marcos Llorente
A very solid outing from Llorente, who added plenty of quality going forward while keeping Alavés' attacking threats down their left flank in check. The Spaniard will be kicking himself for failing to convert a golden opportunity created by Grimaldo in the 66th minute. 7
Johnny Cardoso
Another subtle and underrated performance from Cardoso, who disrupted several potential Alavés attacks before they could develop while allowing Grimaldo the freedom to push forward and create opportunities in attack. 7
Koke
A vintage performance from Koke, highlighted by a brilliant goal-line clearance to deny Alavés an equalizer. Unfortunately, Le Normand's defensive lapse and subsequent penalty ultimately nullified Koke's heroics. The captain also recorded the most touches (134) of any player on the pitch, won all eight of his ground duels and his lone aerial duel. 8
Pablo Barrios
A surprising inclusion in the starting XI for Barrios following a month on the sidelines due to injury. The Spaniard appeared to be deployed in a No. 10 role during the first half, but struggled to make much of an impact. Lee Kang-in eventually replaced him in the 57th minute. 6
Giuliano Simeone
A great performance from Giuliano, who may not have contributed much to the stat sheet but was all over the right side of the pitch, making his presence felt both in both phases. The Argentine was also heavily involved in several attacking moves from Los Colchoneros . 7
Ademola Lookman
Lookman's decline in form has been disappointing to see, especially considering the impressive start he made following his arrival in the winter transfer window. The Nigeria international appears to be severely lacking in confidence, and his place in the starting XI is increasingly coming into question. 5
Jonathan David
David continues his impressive start at Atlético with yet another goal contribution for Los Rojiblancos . The Canadian provided a lovely assist following a one-two with Grimaldo that opened the scoring for Atleti. Has Simeone finally found his long-term No. 9? 7
Julián Alvarez
Entered the match at halftime for Lookman. Unlucky to hit the post from his free kick in the 62nd minute. Slowly but surely appears to be finding his confidence and footing with the team again. 6.5
Álex Baena
Absolutely beautiful ball to Romero who headed home the winning goal for Atleti. Chance creation was going to be an issue against a disciplined Alavés low block and Baena provided the support when it counted. 7
Lee Kang-in
Quiet outing from Kang-in when he entered the match for Barrios in the 57th minute. It was a busy international break for the South Korea star, who undoubtedly will feature from the start against Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday. 6.5
Dávid Hancko
Subbed on for Le Normand in the 62nd minute, which served as a sigh of relief and for some Atleti fans, celebration. Hancko stopped a chance from Alavés in the dying moments in the second half to preserve the lead for Atleti. 7
Alexander Sørloth
Made his 2025/26 season debut by joining the action in 72nd minute and replacing Giuliano Simeone. Almost scored with his first touch from a brilliant Kang-in cross just after coming on to the pitch. Still needs to get some minutes under him. 6
