Julian Alvarez’s decisive strike in the second half secured a 1-0 victory for Atletico Madrid over Osasuna at the Metropolitano on Sunday, propelling Diego Simeone’s side to the top of the LaLiga standings.
Match Recap
Atletico Madrid extended their club-record winning streak to 14 games across all competitions, while Osasuna’s winless run in LaLiga stretched to seven matches.
The first half was a cagey affair with few clear chances for either team. Julian Alvarez was Atletico’s most active player in attack, recording all three of the home side’s shots on target in the opening 45 minutes.
The breakthrough came in the 55th minute. A well-executed short corner routine saw Antoine Griezmann deliver a pinpoint cross to Clement Lenglet at the back post. The French defender headed the ball into the path of Alvarez, who finished clinically to score his 13th goal of the season in all competitions.
Despite their dominance, Atletico struggled to create further opportunities, managing just one more shot on target in the 90th minute when Angel Correa’s effort was comfortably saved by Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera.
Key Stats & Insights
- Winning Streak: Atletico have now won 14 consecutive matches, a club record across all competitions.
- Argentine Influence: Simeone started four Argentine players (Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, Giuliano Simeone, and Julian Alvarez) in a LaLiga match for the first time since 2006.
- Clinical Edge: Atletico have scored in each of their last eight LaLiga games, showcasing an improved attacking edge to complement their traditional defensive solidity.
Player of the Match
Julian Alvarez: The Argentine forward was the standout performer, not only scoring the decisive goal but also being Atletico’s most dangerous attacking threat throughout the game.
What’s Next?
Atletico Madrid will look to maintain their momentum in their pursuit of the LaLiga title. They currently sit atop the table, leapfrogging rivals Real Madrid, who face Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana later on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Osasuna will aim to end their winless streak in their next fixture as they fight to move away from the relegation zone.
Final Thoughts
Diego Simeone’s side continues to blend defensive resilience with attacking flair, a combination that has them well-positioned to challenge for their third LaLiga title under the Argentine manager. Julian Alvarez’s contributions have been pivotal, with the former Manchester City star proving to be a key figure in Atletico’s title charge.
