Alvarez Sends Atletico To Top Of Laliga After Hard-Earned Victory Against Osasuna

Atlético Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a resilient CA Osasuna at the Estadio Metropolitano.

This win marked a significant milestone for Los Colchoneros, as it was their 12th victory in the last 13 encounters against Los Rojillos, emphasizing their dominance in this fixture despite Osasuna’s recent success in their last meeting.

Early Drama and Missed Opportunities

The match kicked off with Atlético Madrid firmly asserting their presence, and they thought they had taken the lead just seven minutes into the game.

However, the goal was disallowed as Antoine Griezmann was deemed to have used his arm to divert Nahuel Molina’s cross into the net. The early setback didn’t deter Atleti, as they continued to press forward, with Giuliano Simeone bursting through the Osasuna defense only for Julián Alvarez’s weak attempt to be comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Sergio Herrera.

Despite Atlético’s early dominance, Osasuna began to find their footing. Pablo Ibáñez had a great opportunity but headed wide from a promising position.

Jorge Herrando also looked dangerous, rising to meet a cross from Moi Gómez, yet he, too, could not direct his header on target, sending it wide of the goal.

At the other end of the pitch, Alvarez would again come close, connecting with a delicate ball from Rodrigo De Paul, but Herrera was equal to the task and produced a spectacular save.

As the half progressed, frustration grew among the home fans; the Atlético players couldn’t seem to find the finishing touch. This was epitomized when Alvarez had a shot from a tight angle that was saved, and a moment of relief was felt when Ibáñez’s audacious long-range strike dipped just too late, sailing wide and catching Jan Oblak slightly off his line.