Julián Álvarez's 48th-minute goal gives Atlético a 1-0 win over Deportivo

Álvarez breaks the deadlock

Julián Álvarez scored the only goal of the match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the 48th minute, finishing after Alejandro Grimaldo played a pass between the Deportivo defence and goalkeeper Leo Román. According to LaVanguardia, it was Álvarez's first league goal, and he had already hit the target in a Champions League match in Stuttgart on Tuesday, 20 October. Atlético controlled the game with 56% possession and 20 shots, 12 of them off target, while Deportivo produced 14 attempts without converting any of them. El Mundo described the visitors as a newly promoted side that pressed high from the start and tried to unsettle Atlético at home.

A goalless first half

The first half ended 0-0, with Deportivo under coach Antonio Hidalgo creating the visitors' clearest early chance in the 27th minute. Lorenzo Amatucci struck a shot from close range and Jan Oblak stopped it, a save El Confidencial described as keeping the scoreline level. The home crowd whistled its own side during a flat opening period, and LaVanguardia noted that the Metropolitano had also booed Álvarez back in August. Atlético's last chance before the break came from a high shot by one of its midfielders. José María Giménez, a Deportivo defender, returned to the stadium, which ABC described as the first time he had played there as an opponent.

Changes and late pressure

Diego Simeone made two changes at half-time, bringing on Robin Le Normand and Giuliano Simeone, and LaVanguardia said the switch lifted the tempo of an Atlético attack that had been predictable. Deportivo's Yeremay Hernández was booked in the 75th minute. In the final minute Kevin Sanchez, who had come on in the 80th minute, had a chance to equalise, but Oblak made another save. Four Atlético players were booked: Marc Pubill in the 26th minute, Alexander Soerloth in the 85th, Alejandro Baena in the 86th and Giuliano Simeone in the 87th. Referee Jose Sanchez officiated the match, and Europa Press reported that no VAR incident altered the result.

Table position and next fixtures

The sources differ on Atlético's points total. Europa Press puts the club second with 28 points from 11 matches, two behind Barcelona, which has played one game fewer. SAPO gives Atlético 25 points, also two behind Barcelona. Both reports place Deportivo tenth with 11 points. LaVanguardia noted that Atlético have won six straight league matches and conceded only two goals during that run. Europa Press said 27 matchdays remain, and SAPO described Barcelona's match against Real Madrid on Sunday, 25 October, as potentially decisive for the final standings.