La Liga: Laguardia's goal helps Deportivo Alaves beat Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid failed to capitalise on Atletico’s shock defeat as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu.

Deportivo Alaves beat Atletico Madrid; Credit: Twitter/@Atleti
By Sreejith C R | Sep 26, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Deportivo Alaves at Mendizorroza on Saturday. Victor Laguardia scored the lone goal of the match in the 4th minute. It was an unexpected win for Alaves who were placed 20th in the table before the start of the game. Meanwhile in the other match of the day, Real Madrid were held to a frustrating goalless draw at home to Villarreal. However, Los Blancos are still placed on top of the table with 17 points from seven games.

Laguardia headed in from Rubén Duarte’s corner from the right to take an early lead. The first half was a cagey affair as both sides failed to create too many chances apart from the goal by the hosts.

After the break, the visitors came out with a bit more intent. Rodrigo De Paul’s free-kick went past everyone and should have gone inside the Alaves goal, but Laguardia made a goal-line clearance to deny the equalizer.

Meanwhile at the other end, Alaves could have extended their lead but Mamadou Loum and Pina fired glorious opportunities over the bar.

Substitute Angel Correa registered Atletico’s only shot on target from open play as his low drive was denied by Alaves goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco at the near post. Atleti wanted a penalty in second-half stoppage time after the ball appeared to strike the arm of an Alaves defender, but the referee dismissed the visitors’ appeals.

It was Atletcio Madrid’s first loss of the campaign but they have been far from convincing this season. Diego Simeone’s side have won just two of their last six matches and their flaws in attack have been pretty much visible. The defending champions haven’t been clinical up front scoring only nine league goals this season.

Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez started up front for Simeone’s side but failed to make an impact. Griezamnn, who rejoined Atleti from Barcelona this summer, has been struggling for form. The Frenchman hasn’t scored a goal and registered an assist this season so far. Simenone has reasons to worry and issues to solve ahead of their next match against AC Milan in the Champions League group stage fixture on Wednesday.

Meanwhile it was Alaves’ first win against Atletico since 2003 and the victory has helped them to 19th spot with three points from six games. The only team yet to open their account this season is Getafe, who will travel to Real Betis on Sunday.

Real Madrid held to a draw by Villarreal

Real Madrid failed to capitalise on Atletico’s shock defeat as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos came into the match on the back of a dominant 6-1 win against Mallorca in midweek but couldn’t extend the winning run. Villarreal were the better side in the first half as their speedy wingers Danjuma and Yeremy Pino were causing all sorts of problems to the Real defence.

Danjuma cut inside from the left and easily went past between Marco Asensio and Fede Valverde but his shot was tipped wide by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Danjuma once again did well to collect the ball and make room for a shot inside the box but his attempt went over the crossbar.

After the break, the home team improved as Eder Militao and Karim Benzema went close with their headers. And then Isco’s header from Eden Hazard’s cross lacked enough power as it was palmed away by Villarreal goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli.

After the draw, Villarreal are placed 10th in the table with eight points from six games and they will next play Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Champions League group stage fixture on Thursday.





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