Atletico Madrid secured a key away win on Saturday, beating Deportivo Alaves 2-1 at Mendizorroza with a late strike from Romero. The result keeps Diego Simeone's side in second place in La Liga, on 19 points after eight games, five points behind leaders Barcelona.
The first half was dominated by the visitors. Alejandro Grimaldo opened the scoring in the 33rd minute following a pass from Jonathan David. However, just before the break, Boye equalised from the penalty spot for Alaves. The referee pointed to the spot after a foul by Robin Le Normand on Boye, which also earned the centre-back a yellow card.
A frantic finale
The second half became more difficult for Alaves when Ángel Pérez was shown a straight red card for a strong challenge in the 61st minute. With a man advantage, Atletico pressed for a winner. Simeone turned to his bench, introducing Álex Baena and Julián Álvarez at the start of the second period, and later Lee Kang-in and Alexander Sørloth.
The persistence paid off with three minutes remaining. A cross from Baena on the left flank found the head of Romero, who powered a header past Sivera. It was the fourth goal of the season for the Spanish midfielder. The match stats reflected the control: Atletico enjoyed 68% possession and had 22 shots to the hosts' 8.
The victory extends Atletico's positive run to four consecutive league wins, a streak that began after the defeat at San Mamés. The team now turns its attention to its next league fixture, a trip to face Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium.
