Argentina forward, Julián Álvarez scored the decisive goal as Atlético Madrid defeated Deportivo 1-0 on Saturday to move within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Álvarez struck in the 48th minute at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, converting a cross from Alejandro Grimaldo to secure all three points for Diego Simeone’s side.
The goal was Álvarez’s first in front of Atlético’s home supporters in the Spanish league since November 2025.
The forward, who was linked with a controversial transfer to Barcelona during the summer, was making his first league start of the season.
The victory extended Atlético’s unbeaten run to eight matches across all competitions, keeping them in contention at the top of the table ahead of Barcelona’s meeting with Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clásico.
Atlético had to withstand early pressure from the visitors, with goalkeeper Jan Oblak making several important saves to deny Miguel Loureiro, Yeremay Hernández and Lorenzo Amatucci.
The hosts struggled to create clear-cut chances before the break, with attempts from Lee Kang-In, Pablo Barrios and Morten Hjulmand failing to find the target.
Simeone introduced Giuliano Simeone and Robin Le Normand at half-time, replacing Barrios and Ademola Lookman.
The changes quickly paid off as Grimaldo supplied the cross that Álvarez converted from close range shortly after the restart.
Atlético pushed for a second goal, but Deportivo goalkeeper Leo Román kept out efforts from Álex Baena, Álvarez and Simeone to prevent the hosts from extending their advantage.
Deportivo nearly snatched an equaliser in stoppage time when Kevin Sánchez fired towards goal, but Oblak produced another excellent save to preserve Atlético’s narrow lead.
Atlético had entered the match after a 1-1 draw against Stuttgart in the Champions League on Tuesday, which ended their six-match winning streak in all competitions.
The win leaves Atlético two points behind Barcelona, who face Real Madrid on Sunday.
