Alaves shock Atletico Madrid

 

At Old Trafford, Manchester United digested a shocking defeat against Aston Villa. At Stamford Bridge, Manchester City ended Chelsea’s unbeaten run. And, at Mendizorroza, the La Liga Champions were stunned by Deportivo Alaves.

La Liga strugglers Alaves condemned reigning champions Atletico Madrid to their first loss of the season with a 1-0 win at home on Saturday afternoon.

The result also marked Alaves' first win of the season after going into this game rock bottom of the table with only one goal in their run of five losses prior.

Alaves' fourth-minute goal took Atleti completely by surprise, as Ruben Duarte's corner towards the far post was headed home by captain Victor Laguardia, who made a late run into the box before putting the Basque side a goal ahead.

The result left Diego Simeone's side second on 14 points, two behind leader Real Madrid, which is in action later on Saturday when it hosts Villarreal.

“We need to improve and ensure that our games are more consistent because right now they really aren't,” Simeone said.

“It's always tough when the opposition closes up shop. We didn't have the kind of speed or skill needed to undo them. The most important thing for us is to improve and grow and I'm confident we're heading in the right direction with the work we're doing,” he added.

Atleti huffed and puffed as it attempted to find a way back into the match after such an early blow, but was kept out by admirable defending from the host.

After an underwhelming couple of seasons at Barcelona, much was made about the return of Griezmann to a club where he bagged 133 goals across five seasons, with fans hopeful that he could rediscover his best form.

Unfortunately for them, it's been the complete opposite story. In a dysfunctional Atletico Madrid team, they have struggled this season whenever Griezmann featured on the pitch. 

Marcos Llorente, Luis Suarez and substitute Angel Correa all went close for the visitor and Laguardia headed Kieran Trippier's shot off the line.

Tomas Pina missed a glorious chance to double Alaves's lead nine minutes from time, but fired over when unmarked on the penalty spot - but his side hung on to claim the first victory over Atleti since 2003.

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 25/09/2021 Alaves shock Atletico Madrid

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Faisal Caesar