Deportivo Alavés suffered a 1-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid in matchday eight of LaLiga EA Sports at Mendizorrotza. The Basque side took the lead through a Lucas Boyé penalty but could not withstand the visitors' pressure, conceding a late winner after playing with ten men.
Atlético started strongly, controlling possession and creating chances. Alejandro Grimaldo opened the scoring for the Madrid side in the 33rd minute following a pass from Javi David. Alavés responded just before half-time. Referee Quintero González awarded a penalty for a foul by Robin Le Normand on Toni Martínez. Lucas Boyé, the team's top scorer this season with five goals, converted from the spot to level the scores.
A challenging second half
The game's dynamic shifted dramatically after the sending-off of Álex Pérez. The Alavés player, already booked in the 59th minute, received a straight red card in the 61st for a strong challenge. "The referee Quintero González cautions Á. Pérez, of Deportivo Alavés, for a foul committed during the match," the official confirmed after a VAR review. Down to ten men, Alavés retreated into a 3-5-2 shape and tried to hold on.
Atlético, with 74% possession in the second half, unleashed 22 shots, 13 on target, and won 10 corners. The blue-and-white defence, which made 12 successful tackles, held firm until the 87th minute. It was then that Cuti Romero headed in the winning goal from an Álex Baena cross. Alavés attempted 341 passes in total but could not create further danger in the six minutes of added time.
The manager made five late substitutions to refresh the lines, including the departures of Denis Suárez and Boyé. The defeat leaves Deportivo Alavés in seventh place in the standings, with 11 points from a possible 24. The team has scored 12 goals and conceded eight so far this season.
The next fixture is an away trip to face Celta Vigo on 18 October. The Galician side sits ninth, promising a closely-fought encounter. In preparation, the coaching staff will assess the absences of Mikel Rodríguez and Facundo Garcés, who were unavailable for this match. The squad will aim to correct a recent run of form that includes one win, one draw and three losses in the last five games.
More detail at La Vanguardia Deportes
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Pablo Simeone confirmed that offensive substitutions were key to the comeback. "We brought on Julián Álvarez and Álex Baena looking for more imbalance," explained the Argentine coach. Alavés, who are seventh with 11 points, attempted one last dangerous move by Mariano in the 87th minute, just before Atlético's winning goal.
