Julián Álvarez ends LaLiga drought as Atlético extend winning run to six

Álvarez strikes after the break

Julián Álvarez ended his LaLiga scoring drought with the decisive goal as Atlético Madrid beat Deportivo 1-0 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The win was Atlético’s sixth consecutive victory in the competition and left Diego Simeone’s side two points behind leaders Barcelona ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico.

Deportivo threatened early. Jan Oblak saved Miguel Loureiro’s sixth-minute header, then produced a quick reaction to keep out Lorenzo Amatucci after parrying Yeremay Hernandez’s effort. At the other end, Álvarez and Pablo Barrios tested Leo Roman without finding a way through before half-time.

Atlético made the breakthrough three minutes after the restart. Alejandro Grimaldo drove into the left side of the penalty area and sent a low ball across the six-yard box, where Álvarez stretched to turn it home in the 48th minute.

Deportivo miss a late chance

Giuliano Simeone later failed to trouble Roman with a header, while Deportivo had a major opportunity to snatch a point in the final moments. Kevin Sanchez shot straight at Oblak from four yards out with the last kick of the game.

Álvarez had also scored Atlético’s goal in their midweek 1-1 Champions League draw with Stuttgart, his first for the club this season. His strike against Deportivo was his first in LaLiga since scoring against Real Oviedo on February 28. He had three shots, created five chances and completed three of five dribbles, according to the match report.

Despite the result, Atlético were outperformed on expected goals, with Deportivo recording 1.95 to the hosts’ 1.36. The victory nevertheless extended Atlético’s league winning streak to six.