Atlético Madrid's slim title hopes fade after draw with Alavés
Alavés vs Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid’s aspirations of clinching the LaLiga title, already hanging by a thread, were dealt a potentially fatal blow on Saturday as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by relegation-threatened Alavés at the Mendizorrotza Stadium, a result that exposed their lack of cutting edge and laid bare the challenges facing Diego Simeone’s side. Despite dominating possession against a resolute Alavés defense, Atlético struggled to translate their control into meaningful chances, their performance marked by a lack of invention and urgency that has become an alarming theme in their campaign. The goalless stalemate left Atlético rooted in third place with 67 points, a daunting nine points adrift of league leaders Barcelona, who were set to face Real Valladolid later that day. For Alavés, the draw was a precious point in their fight for survival, lifting them to 16th and three points clear of the relegation zone, a testament to their disciplined organization and growing resilience under pressure. The match, characterized by a cagey first half and a late flurry of activity, underscored the contrasting fortunes of two teams at opposite ends of the LaLiga spectrum, with Atlético’s title dreams fading and Alavés finding renewed hope in their battle to remain in the top flight. As both sides reflect on a hard-fought encounter, the implications of this result reverberate beyond the Mendizorrotza, shaping the narratives of ambition, survival, and redemption in the final stretch of the 2024-25 season.
The first half at the Mendizorrotza was a dour affair, devoid of the spark one might expect from a side chasing the LaLiga crown. Atlético, renowned for their pragmatism under Simeone, controlled the ball but found themselves repeatedly thwarted by an Alavés backline that executed their defensive duties with precision and tenacity. The absence of creativity in the final third was stark, with Atlético failing to register a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, a statistic that spoke volumes about their struggles to break down a compact opponent. The most dramatic moment came when Julián Álvarez, the Argentine forward tasked with igniting Atlético’s attack, was shown a red card for a high boot on Alavés defender Facundo Garcés. The decision initially threatened to derail Atlético’s game plan, but replays revealed the challenge was less malicious than it appeared, prompting VAR to intervene. After consulting the pitchside monitor, the referee downgraded the sanction to a yellow card, sparing Álvarez and offering Atlético a reprieve. Despite the return of Antoine Griezmann to the starting lineup after two games on the bench, the Frenchman, typically a catalyst for moments of brilliance, was unable to unlock Alavés’ defense, his influence muted by a lack of service and the hosts’ relentless pressing. For Alavés, the first half was a masterclass in defensive resilience, their strategy of absorbing pressure and denying space executed to perfection. While they offered little in attack, their ability to frustrate a side of Atlético’s pedigree bolstered their confidence, setting the stage for a second half where both teams would seek to seize control in their respective quests for points.
The second half saw a slight uptick in intensity, though clear-cut chances remained at a premium. Alavés, emboldened by their first-half solidity, created the period’s first opportunity when Jon Guridi found himself unmarked in Atlético’s penalty area, only to send a header wide of Jan Oblak’s post. The miss was a reminder of Alavés’ potential to punish on the counter, a threat that kept Atlético’s defense on edge despite their possession dominance. Simeone, sensing the need for a spark, introduced attackers Alexander Sørloth and Samuel Lino in a bid to inject dynamism into his side’s play. The substitutions had an immediate impact, with Lino registering Atlético’s first shot on target in the 71st minute, a moment that signaled a belated awakening. The visitors began to press with greater intent, their attacking forays testing Alavés goalkeeper Antonio Sivera, who was called into action repeatedly in the closing stages. At the other end, Alavés nearly stole a shock lead when Kike García’s close-range effort was brilliantly denied by Oblak, whose reflexes underscored why he remains one of Europe’s premier goalkeepers. The final 15 minutes saw Atlético lay siege to Alavés’ goal, with Sivera’s heroics and a series of desperate blocks preserving the hosts’ clean sheet. Despite their late pressure, Atlético’s inability to convert possession into goals was a microcosm of their season-long struggle to find consistency in attack, a flaw that has seen them fall behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in the title race. For Alavés, the draw was a triumph of grit and organization, their defensive resolve earning them a point that could prove pivotal in their fight to avoid relegation.
The broader implications of this result highlight the divergent paths of Atlético and Alavés as the LaLiga season nears its climax. For Atlético, the draw was a bitter pill, further eroding their already slim hopes of overhauling Barcelona. With 67 points and four games remaining, Simeone’s side face an uphill battle to close the nine-point gap, a task made all the more daunting by their lackluster display at the Mendizorrotza. The absence of a clinical edge, despite the presence of talents like Griezmann and Álvarez, raises questions about Atlético’s attacking recruitment and Simeone’s ability to adapt his traditionally defensive philosophy to meet the demands of a title challenge. The decision to rest key players in recent weeks, coupled with Griezmann’s reintegration, suggests a squad still searching for its optimal balance, a luxury they can ill afford with the season’s defining moments looming. Simeone, a figure synonymous with Atlético’s resilience, will need to rally his troops for a final push, with upcoming fixtures against top-half sides offering little margin for error. The draw also highlighted the fine margins that have defined Atlético’s campaign, from VAR’s intervention in Álvarez’s favor to their failure to capitalize on late dominance, moments that could haunt them as Barcelona and Real Madrid continue to set the pace. As Atlético lick their wounds, the focus shifts to rediscovering the ruthlessness that powered their 2021 title triumph, a quality that has been conspicuously absent in their latest outing.
For Alavés, the point was a lifeline, a hard-earned reward for a performance that blended tactical discipline with moments of bravery. Their climb to 16th, three points clear of the relegation zone, is a testament to their growing cohesion under manager Luis García Plaza, who has instilled a fighting spirit in a squad that appeared destined for a relegation battle earlier in the season. Facundo Garcés, speaking post-match, encapsulated the mood in the Alavés camp, describing the draw as “a good point against a great opponent” and emphasizing the confidence it instills. The Mendizorrotza Stadium, which Garcés vowed to make a fortress in their final two home games, has become a symbol of Alavés’ defiance, with their defensive solidity frustrating even the most potent attacks. The contributions of Sivera, whose late saves were pivotal, and the collective effort to neutralize Atlético’s stars, from Griezmann to Sørloth, highlight a team united in their survival mission. Alavés’ ability to create chances, albeit sparingly, through players like Guridi and García, suggests they are not content to merely defend, a mindset that could prove crucial in their remaining fixtures against fellow relegation rivals. The draw, while not a victory, carries the weight of one, offering Alavés a psychological boost as they prepare for a defining run-in that will determine their LaLiga fate.
As the LaLiga season hurtles toward its conclusion, the Mendizorrotza stalemate encapsulates the high stakes and fine margins that define the competition. For Atlético, it’s a missed opportunity, a reminder of the ground they must cover to salvage their title hopes and the urgency required to rediscover their attacking mojo. For Alavés, it’s a step toward safety, a performance that galvanizes their belief in defying the odds. The contrast between Atlético’s fading ambitions and Alavés’ burgeoning resilience paints a vivid picture of LaLiga’s competitive landscape, where every point is a battle and every match a story of struggle and survival. As both teams turn their attention to the challenges ahead, the echoes of this goalless draw will linger, a testament to the grit of the underdog and the fragility of the contender.
