Atletico Madrid ended their four-match wait for a victory at Mendizorrotza by beating 10-man Deportivo Alaves 2-1 on Saturday.
Diego Simeone’s side have now won each of their past four league matches, scoring at least twice in every game to maintain their best run of multi-goal victories since October 2023.
Atletico had scored exactly three times in two of their previous three away league fixtures, but opportunities were scarce during a largely uneventful opening half-hour despite their dominance.
Jonathan David came closest during that period, only for Antonio Sivera to keep out his effort from the edge of the penalty area. The goalkeeper then comfortably held Marcos Llorente’s low shot towards the bottom-right corner, denying Llorente the chance to provide Atletico’s seventh opening goal in eight league matches this season.
The visitors did take the lead in the 34th minute after a fluent move forward. David’s backheel released Alejandro Grimaldo, who advanced into the area before finishing clinically beneath Sivera.
Deportivo Alaves had offered little attacking threat, but they were given a route back into the match in first-half stoppage time. Robin Le Normand brought down Jonny Otto inside the area while defending a free-kick delivery, and Lucas Boye converted the resulting penalty by sending Jan Oblak the wrong way with a low shot into the bottom-left corner.
The goal meant nine of Deportivo Alaves’ past 10 matches against teams who would eventually finish in the top four of 2025/26 had produced goals.
Their hopes of completing the comeback were damaged shortly after the hour mark when Angel Perez was sent off following a VAR review. He had made a reckless challenge on a sliding Julian Alvarez, leaving the Atletico forward particularly grateful for any protection beneath his shorts.
Atletico were expected to apply sustained pressure during the final half-hour and stoppage time, but Deportivo Alaves defended intelligently. They kept a disciplined defensive line and largely restricted their opponents to attempts from distance.
The hosts nearly stole the lead with five minutes remaining when Mariano Diaz manoeuvred past his marker and raced towards goal. However, the Dominican forward fired high over the crossbar, prompting a collective gasp inside Mendizorrotza.
Atletico restored their advantage barely a minute later. Grimaldo found Alex Baena on the left, and Baena delivered a cross towards the far post, where Cristian Romero headed home.
The defeat leaves Deportivo Alaves with only one point from the last 12 available. They must now prepare for their trip to Celta Vigo in eight days.
Alejandro Grimaldo was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match for Atletico Madrid.