Atlético Madrid secured a vital 1‑0 victory over Deportivo Alavés on 18 January 2026, thanks to Alexander Sørloth’s decisive header in the 68th minute. The win maintained the Colchoneros’ fourth‑place standing, narrowed the gap to league leaders Barcelona, and reinforced their pursuit of a top‑four finish in La Liga.
Match Summary
At the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, both teams entered with contrasting objectives: Atlético aiming to close in on the champions, Alavés fighting to stay clear of relegation. Defensive discipline defined the first half, with Atlético’s back line led by Stefan Savić and Alavés’ goalkeeper Álex Remiro making several key interventions.
Key Moment
The breakthrough arrived in the second half when Marcos Llorente delivered a high cross that found Sørloth unmarked at the edge of the box. Rising above his marker, the 28‑year‑old headed the ball into the top corner, giving Atlético a 1‑0 lead that they defended for the remaining minutes.
Title Race Impact
The three points keep Atlético in fourth place, four points behind leaders Barcelona, and preserve their chances of securing a Champions League berth. While the win demonstrates defensive solidity, the limited eight shots (three on target) highlight a need for greater attacking potency in upcoming top‑six clashes.
Player Ratings
- Alexander Sørloth – ★★★★★ : Scored the winning goal, showcasing aerial strength.
- Koke – ★★★★☆ : Maintained 87 % passing accuracy, controlled midfield tempo.
- Álex Remiro – ★★★★☆ : Made eight saves, keeping Alavés within striking distance.
- Gavi Sanchez (Alavés) – ★★★★ : Pressed aggressively but was neutralized by Atlético’s organization.
Looking Ahead
Atlético’s next challenges include matches against Sevilla and Valencia, where converting defensive strength into more goals will be crucial for a realistic title challenge. Alavés must focus on adding creative firepower to complement their solid defense, aiming to collect points against similarly positioned opponents and avoid a relegation battle.
