Julian Alvarez’s strike helped Atletico Madrid transfer prime of La Liga with 1-0 win over Osasuna on Sunday.
Diego Simeone’s aspect climbed one level away from champions Actual Madrid and 6 forward of third-placed Barcelona on the midway mark within the Spanish league season.
Atletico claimed a 14th consecutive victory throughout all competitions, a brand new membership file, and have misplaced only one top-flight recreation all season.
It was their eighth straight league win and a fifth clear sheet from these matches, with Simeone’s aspect again to their miserly finest in defence.
Atletico began nicely in opposition to an Osasuna aspect with a number of common starters left on the bench, together with their prime scorer, striker Ante Budimir.
Antoine Griezmann had an early aim dominated out for handball, whereas his strike-partner Alvarez missed Atletico’s finest probabilities of the primary half.
The clearest got here when Rodrigo De Paul scooped a go excessive for the Argentina worldwide, however Alvarez’s effort, which bounced awkwardly off his shoulder, was saved by Sergio Herrera.
Vicente Moreno’s guests, eleventh, improved as the primary half progressed and managed to maintain Atletico largely at bay.
Nevertheless early within the second half a intelligent Rojiblancos nook routine helped them break the impasse.
Griezmann’s whipped cross to the again submit was nodded again into the hazard space by Clement Lenglet and Alvarez was capable of slam house from shut vary for his sixth league aim since becoming a member of final summer time from Manchester Metropolis.
Atletico weren’t at their best however had greater than sufficient to seal one other victory and declare prime spot, with Osasuna not troubling Jan Oblak.
Earlier Getafe earned a 2-1 win at Las Palmas to climb three factors above the relegation zone.
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