Julián Álvarez led Atlético de Madrid to victory against Athletic Bilbao with his decisive goal, helping the rojiblancos secure their position at the top of LaLiga EA Sports standings. The match was held at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 1, 2025, and ended with Atlético triumphing 1-0 over their Basque rivals.
Álvarez, who had entered the match as a substitute, scored the only goal of the game at the 65-minute mark—a moment of brilliance assisted by Marcos Llorente and Ángel Correa. This victory marks a significant achievement for Atlético, who remains at the top of LaLiga with 56 points, closely pursued by their Barcelona and Real Madrid rivals.
Head coach Diego Simeone emphasized the importance of this win, stating, “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. We are up there, and we are fighting. The team is coming together nicely and I am optimistic about our chances moving forward.” His players demonstrated solid defensive strategies throughout the match, which helped maintain their lead as the game progressed.
On the other hand, Athletic Club, led by Ernesto Valverde, suffered their first loss after 16 consecutive match days without defeat. Valverde remained proud of his team, noting the numerous opportunities created during the match, particularly the double hit on the woodwork from Beñat Prados and Iñaki Williams. “We deserved more from the game, we created numerous chances and had their defense troubled,” he remarked post-match.
Throughout the first half, both teams exchanged attacks, and the game was very much balanced, with Atlético attempting to control the tempo and Athletic providing counters through their quick wingers. The first 45 minutes ended scoreless, with both teams failing to capitalize on their chances, resulting in anticipation for the second half.
During the early exchanges of the second half, Atlético showed increased urgency, pushing forward with Álvarez's substitution shifting the momentum. At the 65-minute mark, he struck the decisive goal, turning the tide for Atlético. A well-timed pass from Llorente set Álvarez up inside the box, allowing him to place his shot out of reach of goalkeeper Unai Simón.
Despite falling behind, Athletic Club did not relent. They pressed forward, with Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams combining down the wings to generate several attacking opportunities, highlighting their potential to equalize. Just minutes later, the pressure was palpable as Iñaki Williams struck the crossbar—a reminder for Atlético to stay vigilant.
Throughout the final minutes, both teams exchanged chances, with Atlético defending resolutely against Athletic’s pressing game. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak made several key saves, solidifying his team’s defensive efforts. The tension escalated as Athletic pushed for the equalizer, noted by another attempt from Guruzeta, who narrowly missed his target.
The match concluded with Atlético holding onto their slim lead, securing all three points and reinforcing their position at the top of the table. Simeone expressed confidence about maintaining their streak, emphasizing the importance of discipline and teamwork as they navigate through the final stretch of the season.
This win for Atlético Madrid not only propelled them to the top but also extended their unbeaten home streak to 14 matches, showcasing their dominance at the Metropolitano. With this performance, they look more determined than ever to clinch the LaLiga title, especially with challenging upcoming fixtures against rival Barcelona looming on the horizon.
Reflecting on the significance of this match, Álvarez noted, “This win is not just about the points; it’s about our fight for the title. The team spirit is high, and we know we can push forward together.” Atlético Madrid will hope to carry this momentum forward as they face their future opponents, aiming for continued success both domestically and in Europe.