Overview
- Alexander Sorloth decided it with a 48th-minute header from Pablo Barrios’s right-wing cross that went in off the far post.
- Diego Simeone turned to Antoine Griezmann, Álex Baena and Koke after the breakthrough, and Baena later hit the post in a bid to double the lead.
- Alavés mounted late pressure through set pieces and crosses as Toni Martínez, Abde Rebbach, Lucas Boyé and Jon Pacheco threatened, but Atlético held firm.
- The result moves Atlético to 41 points, level with Villarreal in the top-four race, according to the latest standings reported.
- Sorloth’s tally rises to six league goals from 19 appearances and 10 starts, with three headers, while Alavés remain winless in five league matches and stay in relegation trouble.