Romero's 87th-minute header gives Atlético a 2-1 win at Alavés in La Liga

Grimaldo and Boyé trade goals before half-time

Atlético de Madrid returned from the international break with a 2-1 win at Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorrotza in Vitoria on Saturday, 10 October 2026, in the eighth round of La Liga. Europa Press counted it as Atlético's fourth consecutive league win, following their 2-1 derby victory over Real Madrid in the previous round. Diego Simeone set up with Pablo Barrios back from injury and Ademola Lookman and Jonathan David as the attacking pair, while El Mundo noted that David was returning from Canada to start. Alavés lined up with five at the back and used Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez as their attacking outlets.

The visitors struggled to create chances early on, with Ángel Pérez firing two efforts wide in the opening minutes and Marcos Llorente's shot from distance caught by Antonio Sivera. Atlético broke through in the 33rd minute, when Lookman looked for Alejandro Grimaldo on the edge of the area, Antonio Blanco cut out the pass, and the ball fell to Jonathan David, who fed the left-back. Grimaldo finished across goal. Alavés equalised before the interval, when Lucas Boyé scored from the penalty spot in the 45+6th minute after Robin Le Normand held Toni Martínez in the area as he prepared to meet a Denis Suárez free kick.

Ten men and a sustained push

Ángel Pérez was shown a red card in the 61st minute for a reckless challenge that caught Julián Álvarez on the heel. According to El Confidencial, Alavés played more than half an hour with ten men after the dismissal. La Razón noted that the hosts reorganised after the expulsion and that Atlético needed a long spell to find a way through their defence. Atlético increased the pressure with the extra man, but the breakthrough was slow to come. Pérez came close to restoring parity for Alavés, collecting a rebound and shooting, before Jan Oblak stretched to keep the ball out.

Baena's pass and Romero's header

Alex Baena, who had come on in the second half according to La Razón, delivered the decisive pass. ABC described it as a pass struck with the outside of his right foot, which found Cristian Romero at the second post. The Argentine centre-back rose and headed in the 87th minute. ABC also noted that the result was Atlético's first victory in Vitoria in six years. The goal settled a match in which Atlético had dominated possession without creating many clear openings.

Table position and next fixtures

With the win, Atlético have 19 points and sit second, two points behind leaders Barcelona. Alavés remain sixth with 11 points, and El Confidencial reported that they have four matches without a win.

Atlético's next fixture is at home to Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday, according to Europa Press.