Atletico (Madrid) at least temporarily came out on top in the Primera Division after taking advantage of Real (Madrid)'s loss at Betis's away game in Seville and winning a little later 1:0 over Athletic (Bilbao). The only goal for the "mattresses" – as Atletico's nickname is, scored by substitute Julián Álvarez in the second half, BTA reported.
In this situation, Diego Simeone's team collects 56 points and comes out first, two more than Barcelona, which later today hosts Real Sociedad, and Real remains in 3rd position also with 54. Athletic (Bilbao) remains in 4th place with 48, 4 more than the next Villarreal.
In the meeting of two teams that seriously rely on security in defense and compact movement of everyone on the field, the chances were quite good. The clearest situations before the break opened up in front of the Norwegian striker Alexander Sørlot, who could have brought Atletico ahead in the score. First Antoine Griezmann put the ball on his head, then Giuliano Simeone, but both times the Scandinavian shot went wide.
Minutes before the end of the first half, Seurlot could have been more accurate again with a cross from Nahuel Molina. The guests had chances in front of Nico and Inaki Williams, but the two brothers demonstrated inaccurate aim in front of Jan Oblak at the home goal.
Alvarez, who appeared on the field in place of Seurlot just before the hour mark, scored the only goal of the match in the 66th minute. He made a double pass with Marcos Llorente, entered the penalty area about 10-11 meters and pierced goalkeeper Unai Simon with his left foot.
The guests from the Basque Country never gave up and had several very good opportunities to equalize. Substitute Gorka Gurusuta received a wonderful cross from Yuri Berchiche from the right, standing in the middle of the penalty area, but kicked the ball high over the top bar.