Atletico Madrid continued their push for the La Liga title with a resounding 3-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla on February 22, 2025. The hero of the day was undoubtedly Julián Álvarez, whose two goals helped the team secure all three points, propelling them to the top of the league as they await results from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Álvarez's first goal came just 12 minutes after kickoff, capitalizing on a rebound following a powerful shot from his teammate Samuel Lino, which crashed off the crossbar. The young Argentine struck decisively, placing the ball past Valencia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, giving Atletico the lead they so desperately needed.
Shortly after, just before the half-hour mark, Álvarez again found the net. This time, he was expertly set up by Antoine Griezmann, who delivered a perfectly timed cross. Álvarez executed a precise header, catching Mamardashvili off guard, and doubling Atléticas advantage to 2-0. The impact of these two rapid goals clearly took the wind out of the sails for Valencia.
Despite the scoreline, Valencia did not go down without a fight. After the two early goals, they attempted to regroup and exert pressure on Atletico’s defense. A noteworthy moment came when Hugo Duro, who had been introduced as a substitute, nearly converted after creating space but was denied by the agile Jan Oblak, Atletico's reliable goalkeeper.
The second half saw Valencia pushing for a response, dominating the possession and driving forward. Still, they were unable to penetrate the compact defensive setup of Atletico. Attempts from Javi Guerra and others fell short, with Atletico’s defense remaining resolute.
Atlético Madrid seemed content to absorb the pressure and look for opportunities on the counter, which they executed seamlessly. This strategy paid off as they sealed the game with another goal, coming from Ángel Correa, five minutes from the end. The Argentine woman received the ball from Conor Gallagher and slotted it home with precision, effectively putting the match beyond Valencia’s reach.
The final whistle confirmed Atletico’s victory at 3-0, leaving Valencia to ponder another setback as they remain entrenched near the relegation zone.
Coach Carlos Corberán’s side had shown signs of improvement leading up to this match but were unable to translate their decent form against one of the league's top teams. The defeat adds pressure as they continue to battle relegation, and Corberán will need to rally his troops to regain confidence.
Meanwhile, Atletico's display not only showcased their attacking prowess but also highlighted Álvarez's growing significance within the squad. After this match, the young forward has now netted nine goals this season, establishing himself as the team’s leading scorer and following closely behind Alexander Sorloth and Griezmann.
For Atletico, the victory is significant, helping them maintain their grip at the top of La Liga. With 53 points, they sit just above both Barcelona and Real Madrid, who have 51 points each. The upcoming fixtures are intense, as they now look toward their next La Liga challenge and their anticipated Champions League clash against city rivals Real Madrid, which promises to be another exciting encounter.
Álvarez's performance has not gone unnoticed, with national team coach Lionel Scaloni keeping tabs as the Argentinian squad prepares for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. If Álvarez continues this form, he could play a pivotal role for his country as they strive for success.