Julián Alvarez's stoppage-time strike snatched a crucial La Liga victory for Atletico Madrid against a resilient Oviedo.
Atletico Madrid secured a dramatic 0-1 win over host club Oviedo at Estadio Nuevo Carlos Tartiere. The decisive goal came deep into injury time, breaking Oviedo's spirited resistance. This late blow proved heartbreaking for the home side.
Atletico Madrid arrived in Oviedo sitting fourth in La Liga, aiming to solidify their Champions League position. Meanwhile, Oviedo occupied the relegation zone, desperately needing points to escape the bottom. Both clubs faced immense pressure.
The opening exchanges saw Atletico Madrid dominate possession, controlling 62% of the ball. However, Oviedo looked to hit back swiftly on the counter-attack. The match quickly became a midfield battle.
Oviedo created the clearer chances in the first half. Striker Federico Viñas made eight attempts, with three on target. Yet, Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak proved a formidable barrier, making key saves.
Physicality grew as the half drew to a close. Oviedo's Nacho Vidal received a yellow card in the 42nd minute. Robin Le Normand of Atletico Madrid also saw yellow just before the break, in the 45th minute.
The teams went into halftime locked at 0-0. Oviedo had shown significant fight and created opportunities. Atletico Madrid, despite their possession, needed more penetration and clinical finishing to break the deadlock.
Manager Diego Simeone made a pivotal change at half-time, introducing Julián Alvarez. Atletico Madrid increased their attacking pressure after the restart. Oviedo, however, maintained their resolute defensive shape.
Substitutions followed for both sides as managers sought an advantage. Oviedo's J. Lopez and Atletico's Nahuel Molina were both booked in the 71st minute, reflecting the game's growing intensity. The deadlock persisted.
Just as a hard-fought draw seemed inevitable, Atletico Madrid found their moment. In the 90+4 minute, Julián Alvarez drilled a low shot into the net. This dramatic late goal snatched all three points for the visitors.
The statistics tell a story of Oviedo's missed chances. They registered 16 total shots to Atletico's 12, and an xG of 1.09 compared to Atletico's 0.97. Oblak's six crucial saves highlighted his outstanding performance.
This narrow 0-1 victory strengthened Atletico Madrid's hold on fourth place in the La Liga standings. For Oviedo, the late defeat deepens their relegation struggles, leaving them rooted at the foot of the table.
