Atletico Madrid continued their ascent in La Liga by claiming a narrow 1-0 victory against Osasuna on Sunday, allowing them to leapfrog their rivals to the top of the table. The win, driven by Julián Alvarez's 55th-minute goal, marked their 14th consecutive win across all competitions, establishing a new club record.
The match took place at the Estadio Metropolitano, where Atletico demonstrated significant early dominance, with French star Antoine Griezmann netting what seemed to be the opener just seven minutes in. Unfortunately for the home fans, the goal was disallowed after VAR confirmed Griezmann's elbow had made contact with the ball before it crossed the line.
Despite the early setback, Atletico maintained pressure throughout the first half, enjoying roughly 60% possession and creating multiple chances. The home side’s endeavors were nearly rewarded several times, particularly through Alvarez, whose attempts were frustratingly denied by Osasuna's goalkeeper, Sergio Herrera.
Osasuna, initially overwhelmed during the first 45 minutes, gradually found their rhythm and mounted their own offensive efforts. A notable moment came when Ibáñez's long-range shot struck the woodwork, providing them with brief optimism to level the match.
The deadlock was finally broken by Atletico after the interval. A well-orchestrated corner routine culminated with Alvarez calmly slotting past Herrera, sealing his fifth goal of the 2024-25 La Liga season. Alvarez expressed satisfaction with the team's performance but remained focused on future challenges, stating, "We are very happy [with our streak], we've been doing great work, but we have to keep working with humility. Good things will come."
Rodrigo De Paul echoed Alvarez's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their momentum as they aim for the La Liga title. "It is not easy at all. We have been rewarded after the hard work we put in. But there is still a long way to go to reach our goal, which is to win the league title in May," he said.
For Osasuna, this match signified their seventh consecutive league game without victory, landing them at 11th on the table with 25 points. Coach Vicente Moreno remarked on the challenge of facing such an effective side, recognizing the difficulties his team encountered: "They have 14 straight wins, which shows how difficult it is,” he stated.
Despite their struggles, Osasuna's performance displayed glimpses of resilience and determination, particularly during the latter half of the match, where they sought to equalize. Yet, their efforts fell short, as Atlético's resolute defense, anchored by players like Clément Lenglet, thwarted Osasuna's scoring opportunities.
Heading to the next match against Elche, Atletico Madrid will be buoyed by their remarkable performance and undefeated streak, promising to contest fiercely across the competitions with upcoming fixtures crowding the January schedule.
This win solidifies Atletico's position as formidable contenders for the La Liga title, challenging the historical dominance of their archrivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. With Diego Simeone at the helm, the team’s cohesive unit continues to demonstrate the tenacity synonymous with Atletico's brand of football, leaving fans hopeful for what lies ahead.