'The Mattress Makers' grind out 2–1 win at Alavés
Cristian Romero’s late header earned Atlético a 2–1 victory in Vitoria after Lucas Boje had levelled from the spot.
Atlético Madrid snatched a 2–1 victory at Alavés in Vitoria on October 10, 2026, in the eighth round of La Liga, extending Diego Simeone’s side’s winning run.
The visitors opened the scoring shortly after the half hour mark. After an earlier attempt by David failed, Alejandro Grimaldo followed the action down the left and finished smartly from David’s assist in the 33rd minute.
However, Alavés were level before the break: in the first minute of stoppage time referee Kintero awarded a penalty for a foul by Le Normand, and Lucas Boje converted from the spot.
Match turned after a red card
Alavés held on until the 60th minute, when Pérez was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Álvarez. Reduced to ten men, the hosts were forced onto the back foot as Atlético committed men forward.
The pressure paid off late. Substitute Baena delivered an excellent outside-of-the-foot cross to Cristian Romero, who powered a header past Siver in the 87th minute to restore Atlético’s lead and secure the win.
With the result Atlético moved to second place in the table on 19 points, while Alavés remained sixth with 11.
Photo: press material from the event
