Julián Álvarez seals late win for Atlético Madrid over Oviedo in LaLiga | OneFootball

In a match where the Colchonero couldn't find a way against the last team in La Liga, the Spider appeared at the end to give the victory and a tremendous boost of confidence to Cholo Simeone's team.

Julián Álvarez. Not much more needs to be said. Even though he went through an extensive goal drought or is resisted by some fans, the forward is always there. Whether with determination, being the protagonist, or becoming a hero, as happened in Atlético de Madrid's 1-0 victory against Real Oviedo, which came thanks to his last-minute goal.

The Colchonero couldn't find a way in a match against the last team in La Liga. Although Cholo Simeone tried to surprise with Thiago Almada creating in the middle, the home team quickly adapted to the strategy and managed to neutralize the Colchonero. That's why, in a match where mostly substitutes played (among the Argentinians, only the former Vélez player and Nahuel Molina were starters), Atleti was disappointing because they didn't even tickle the weak Oviedo.

In fact, if it weren't for their lack of hierarchy, if there was a team that should have gone into halftime winning, it was the Asturians, who made Oblak work with two clear chances at the end of the first half.

Thus, Simeone took note and brought Julián in at halftime, and the energy changed. Without shining, Atlético came out with a different determination, taking control of the ball and hovering around Oviedo's area.

But that wasn't enough, and the minutes passed, and the 0-0 persisted. In fact, the Colchonero had no shots on goal, but between the fatigue that began to affect Oviedo and Atleti's desire, the goal started to get closer. First, it was Baena, but the goal was disallowed for offside, making it seem inevitable that 0-0 would be the reality.

But there was Julián, who had an ace up his sleeve. Because beyond the determination, the reality is that the former River player hadn't created much danger, but in the first—and only—chance he had, he didn't forgive: At 94 minutes and with Atlético desperately attacking, the ball fell to the forward in the area, and with impressive composure, he hooked and shot with his left foot. A great goal. For Cholo, the Colchonero fans, and all of Atlético to celebrate. Because thanks to Julián, the hero of the night, Atlético de Madrid takes away more than a victory. These are three key points that keep them in the Champions League qualifying zone, but also give the team an extra dose of confidence to face the return leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Barcelona and the round of 16 of the top UEFA tournament. All thanks to the star forward, who even if he might not be at his best, will never let his team down.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.