Alvarez puts Atletico within two points of Barcelona

Julian Alvarez scored the only goal as Atletico Madrid beat Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 at the Metropolitano stadium on Saturday, moving within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona. Diego Simeone’s side are second, while Barcelona host third-placed Real Madrid at Camp Nou in Sunday’s Clasico.

The win was not straightforward for Atletico. Deportivo created the better chance before half-time and came close to equalising with virtually the last kick of the match.

Alvarez breaks through after slow start

Atletico’s home supporters whistled the team after a subdued opening, and goalkeeper Jan Oblak had to save from Lorenzo Amatucci in the first half. Simeone’s side struggled to create much at the other end before finding their breakthrough early in the second half.

Alejandro Grimaldo sent a dangerous low pass towards the far post, where Alvarez turned it over the line. It was the striker’s second goal in consecutive games after he scored his first of the season in Atletico’s 1-1 Champions League draw at Stuttgart in midweek.

Alvarez nearly added another when Alex Baena played him through following a team move, but Deportivo goalkeeper Leo Roman stopped his attempted lob with his face. Alexander Sorloth later shot narrowly over from a tight angle as Atletico tried to put the result beyond doubt.

Deportivo still had chances to take a point. Kevin Sanchez volleyed well wide from Adama Traore’s cross in stoppage time, then forced Oblak into a save on his line with virtually the final kick.

Villarreal win derby despite red card

Elsewhere in La Liga, Georges Mikautadze scored in stoppage time to give Villarreal a 2-1 derby win at Valencia. Both teams finished with 10 men after Villarreal’s Pape Gueye and Valencia’s Harvey Elliott were sent off.

Pepelu put Valencia ahead from the penalty spot in the first half, before Alex Freeman headed Villarreal level after 69 minutes. Gueye was dismissed for striking Jose Gaya in the face with his elbow, while Elliott, on loan from Liverpool, received two quick yellow cards for apparent dissent.

Mikautadze then raced through and finished to secure all three points for Villarreal.

What the results mean

Atletico’s win leaves them two points behind Barcelona before Sunday’s meeting with Real Madrid. Alvarez’s contribution also follows a difficult start to the season: Atletico supporters had hounded him during his first appearances after he tried to force a summer move, although the tension has gradually eased.

Villarreal’s victory lifts them into mid-table. Valencia remain 19th, in the relegation zone.