Atletico Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 win over Athletic Club on Saturday, thanks to a second-half strike from substitute Julian Alvarez. The victory propelled Atletico Madrid to the top of La Liga, at least temporarily, until Barcelona’s match against Real Sociedad on Sunday night.
Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid’s manager, acknowledged that his team was fortunate to emerge victorious, crediting “the goddess of luck” for their win. Athletic Club hit the woodwork three times after Alvarez’s goal, with Inaki Williams and Benat Prados both coming close to equalizing.
Simeone praised his players for their efforts, particularly those who came off the bench, like Alvarez. He noted that the team’s substitutes had made a significant impact on the match, and that their contributions were crucial to securing the win.
The Atletico Madrid manager also acknowledged that his team had struggled to contain Athletic Club’s attacks, particularly in the second half. However, he praised his team’s resilience and ability to adapt to the challenges posed by their opponents.
Alvarez’s goal was a significant moment in the match, and Simeone was effusive in his praise for the Argentine forward. He described Alvarez as a “differential player” who had made a significant impact on the team since his arrival.
Simeone also highlighted Alvarez’s humility and willingness to start on the bench, praising his attitude and commitment to the team. He noted that Alvarez’s example was one that his teammates could learn from, and that his presence had been a significant boost to the team.
Atletico Madrid’s win over Athletic Club was a significant result for the team, as it propelled them to the top of La Liga. However, Simeone was keen to emphasize that the team’s focus was on their next match, rather than getting caught up in the excitement of being top of the table.
The match against Athletic Club was a challenging one for Atletico Madrid, but Simeone was pleased with the way his team had responded to the test. He noted that the team had shown resilience and determination, and that these qualities would be crucial in the matches ahead.
