Atletico Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Osasuna on Sunday, with Julian Alvarez scoring the only goal of the match to send Diego Simeone’s side back to the top of La Liga. This result propels Atletico one point ahead of Real Madrid and six points clear of Barcelona at the halfway point of the season. The win also extended their remarkable run to 14 consecutive victories across all competitions, setting a new club record and marking their eighth straight league win, with five clean sheets in that streak.
The Match: A Decisive Goal in the Second Half
The match at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium was tightly contested, but the breakthrough came early in the second half. A corner from Antoine Griezmann found Clement Lenglet, whose header sent the ball into the path of Alvarez. The Argentine striker wasted no time, scoring his sixth La Liga goal of the season and giving Atletico the lead they would hold onto for the remainder of the match.
Simeone’s side showed once again why they are a force to be reckoned with this season, with their defence remaining solid throughout the match. Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak was untested and remained a spectator, as Osasuna, currently 11th in the league, struggled to break down Atletico’s resolute backline.
Record-Breaking Run and Focus on the Future
This victory marked Atletico's 14th consecutive win in all competitions, setting a new club record. With the team continuing their winning streak, they sit in prime position at the top of La Liga as the season heads into its second half. Alvarez's goal was a crucial moment, but the team's defensive strength, led by the ever-reliable Oblak, is also a key factor in their success.
Despite their dominant position in the league, Alvarez urged caution and humility in his post-match comments. "We’ve been doing a great job, but there’s a long way to go," he said, emphasizing the need for continued focus and hard work.
Other La Liga Action: Getafe Narrowly Escape Relegation Zone
In other La Liga action, Getafe secured a 2-1 victory over Las Palmas, lifting them three points clear of the relegation zone. This result provides some much-needed breathing room for Getafe, who had been struggling at the bottom of the table.
Looking Ahead: Can Atletico Maintain Their Form?
Atletico Madrid's dominant run shows no signs of slowing down, but with Real Madrid and Barcelona lurking just behind, the battle for the La Liga title promises to be an exciting one. Atletico will need to continue their strong performances if they are to hold on to top spot and secure another league title under the guidance of Diego Simeone.