Atlético beat Alavés to close temporarily on Barcelona

Atlético de Madrid snatched a late win away to Deportivo Alavés on Saturday evening. The 2-1 result, in the eighth round of the Spanish league, earned the visitors three valuable points and kept them in pursuit of leaders Barcelona.

The result extended the run of Diego Simeone’s side to four consecutive victories. Atlético are second with 19 points, temporarily cutting the gap to Barcelona to two points. The reigning champions remain top of the table.

Alavés were reduced to ten men when Ángel Pérez was sent off in the second half, in the 61st minute. The club have now suffered three defeats in their last five league rounds and remain sixth on 11 points.

The win gives Simeone and his players a timely boost before they host Manchester United next Tuesday. For Atlético, the away result continues their climb while keeping them close to the top.