Alvarez fires Atletico to win against Deportivo

Julian Alvarez continued his journey towards redemption by scoring the lone goal as Atletico Madrid triumphed over Deportivo La Coruna with a 1-0 victory on Saturday. The match narrowed the gap between Atletico, currently second in La Liga, and league leaders Barcelona by two points. Their rivals, champions Barcelona, were set to face Real Madrid in the Clasico at Camp Nou the following Sunday.

Alvarez netted for the second consecutive game, having scored his first of the season in Atletico's 1-1 Champions League draw against Stuttgart midweek. Atletico fans had previously shouted and hounded Alvarez during his early appearances this season, reflecting his troubled past with the club. However, the tension had gradually subsided.

Deportivo had the better chance in the first half, with Lorenzo Amatucci coming close to scoring. Nevertheless, Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made several crucial saves, including one from Amatucci. In the second half, Alvarez found the back of the net after Alejandro Grimaldo's dangerous pass to the far post. Despite a potential second goal from Alex Baena, the striker's attempted lob was saved face-first by Deportivo goalkeeper Leo Roman.

Former Manchester City striker Alexander Sorloth came close to scoring his second goal but was unsuccessful in his attempt. Deportivo's best chance came in stoppage time when Kevin Sanchez volleyed wide from Adama Traore's cross, seemingly destined to score. Oblak saved again, this time when Sanchez looked certain to score with virtually the last kick of the game.

Earlier in the day, Villarreal secured a 2-1 win over Valencia in a heated local derby, thanks to a late goal from Georges Mikautadze. Villarreal came from behind, with Harvey Elliott sending off both teams as they left the field with 10 men. Pepelu had taken the lead with a penalty in the first half before Alex Freeman equalized for Valencia after 69 minutes.

Inigo Perez's Villarreal was reduced to 10 men when Pape Gueye was sent off for elbowing Jose Gaya. Villarreal's Aleksandr Sorloth, on loan from Liverpool, scored the winning goal in stoppage time.