Julian Alvarez scores in stoppage time after Jan Oblak heroics as Atletico Madrid edge Real Oviedo 1-0 to climb into third in LaLiga.
Atletico Madrid left it until the final moments to secure a narrow away win in Asturias. Julian Alvarez struck deep into stoppage time after a night dominated by Jan Oblak’s goalkeeping. The 1-0 success moved Atletico Madrid up to third in LaLiga.
The visitors arrived knowing earlier results had opened the door in the top-four race. Villarreal’s defeat against Barcelona earlier in the evening increased the importance of taking all three points. However, they were pushed to the limit by a spirited Real Oviedo side fighting for survival.
The hosts began on the front foot and unsettled Atletico early. Federico Vinas forced Oblak into action inside the opening minutes before heading wide from close range soon after. Atletico struggled for fluency and looked second-best for long spells.
Oviedo’s pressure peaked late in the first half. Oblak first turned Ilyas Chaira’s effort around the post with a strong save. From the resulting corner, Alberto Reina’s follow-up was also denied as the Slovenian stood firm again.
Diego Simeone made changes at half-time to spark improvement. Alvarez was introduced and immediately added more movement to the attack. Atletico enjoyed greater possession but still found chances hard to come by.
Vinas continued to trouble the visitors at the other end. His pace and physicality stretched Atletico’s back line and kept Oblak alert. The game remained finely balanced as both sides chased a decisive moment.
Neither team appeared willing to settle for a point in the closing stages. Atletico thought they had broken through in the 86th minute when Alex Baena finished smartly. The celebrations were short-lived as the goal was ruled out for offside.
Oviedo responded with another threatening set-piece. Vinas met a Santi Cazorla corner with a firm header, but Oblak gathered calmly. With time almost up, it seemed the hosts might earn a valuable draw.
That changed in the fourth minute of added time. Alvarez received the ball on the edge of the box and showed composure under pressure. He cut inside past Kwasi Sibo and fired low into the near post to silence the home crowd.
The strike was Atletico’s only shot on target of the night. Oblak finished with six saves, preserving the clean sheet that made the late winner possible. Alvarez’s goal was his first in the league for nearly four months and a timely one.
Oviedo recorded 16 shots and produced around 1.1 expected goals. Atletico managed 12 attempts with an xG 0f 0.75. The visitors failed to register a first-half shot on target despite five efforts. Alvarez’s goal, scored after the 93rd minute, was Atletico’s latest league winner since December 2024.
Atletico now turn their attention to the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at Barcelona on Tuesday. They travel with a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg. They host Real Sociedad in their next LaLiga assignment. Oviedo remain eight points from safety and next face Rayo Vallecano as their fight continues.
