Things were looking dicey for Atletico Madrid as Joselu stepped up to take a penalty against Jan Oblak in the final minutes at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.
The importance of the Slovenian’s subsequent save, particularly in the context of the season, cannot be underestimated.
It meant that Diego Simeone‘s side would lift the mood at the club going into the international break, restoring their lead at the top of LaLiga Santander’s table.
Atletico were in desperate need of something special to unlock the Alaves defence after a flat first half. Fortunately for them, they have Luis Suarez on their books. The veteran striker scored a decisive goal once more, adding to his late winner in the reverse fixture at Mendizorrotza.
No matter what happens from here, Koke will have his own part in Atletico‘s history. The midfielder covers more ground than any other player in LaLiga Santander and does it knowing that it helps his teammates out no end.
Referee Juan Martinez Munuera made a couple of dubious calls on Sunday. There was Edgar Mendez‘s handball that wasn’t given and the yellow card that wasn’t shown to Ruben Duarte for his tackle on Kieran Trippier. But let’s not waste time talking about VAR, shall we?
Let’s talk about Trippier, instead. He didn’t enjoy his trip back to London in midweek but made the difference in his new home on Sunday. The quality of the Englishman’s cross made it impossible for Suarez to miss.
