Atletico make comeback to beat Alaves as Simeone hits milestone

Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth's goals helped Atletico come from behind to triumph after Jon Guridi sent Alaves ahead with an early penalty. The win took Atletico provisionally second, two points ahead of champions Real Madrid, who visit Leganes on Sunday, and four behind leaders Barcelona who play at Celta Vigo later Saturday.

Atletico's Argentine coach Simeone appointed in December 2011, reached a milestone 700th game across all competitions in charge of the club which he has led to La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021.

"Number 700 is a huge number, congratulations to him, the win is for him, the team, and all the fans," said Giuliano Simeone, his son, who helped Atletico step up a gear in the second half.

Alaves took an early lead when Javi Galan committed a foolish handball to block Carlos Vicente's cross. Guridi sent Jan Oblak the wrong way from the spot to fire the visitors ahead. Atletico failed to create many chances of note in the first half but improved after the break when he brought his son Giuliano Simeone on and the hosts began turning the screw.

The Rojiblancos pulled level after Abdel Abqar handled Sorloth's header and Griezmann drilled home the resulting penalty. Norwegian target man Sorloth sent them ahead in the 86th minute with a powerful finish at the near post after Rodrigo de Paul slipped him in.

 

November 23, 2024