Overview
- Alexander Sorloth decided the match with a second‑half header from a Pablo Barrios cross, marking his sixth league goal and third in three games across competitions.
- Atlético moved seven points clear of fifth‑placed Espanyol after dropping points at Real Sociedad in their previous league outing.
- Deportivo Alavés fell into 18th place following the defeat and came closest late on when Lucas Boyé headed inches over.
- Giuliano Simeone signed a new contract through 2030 this week and was described as Atlético’s biggest threat down the right.
- Julián Álvarez was denied by goalkeeper Antonio Sivera as his La Liga goal drought extended to nine matches since early November.