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 extended goal drought or was resisted by some fans, the forward is always there. Whether with determination, being a protagonist, or becoming a hero, as happened in Atlético de Madrid's 1-0 victory against Real Oviedo, which was 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 generating plays through the middle, the home team quickly adapted to the strategy and managed to nullify the Colchonero. That's why, in a match where most of the substitutes played (of the Argentinians, only the former Vélez player and Nahuel Molina were starters), Atleti was disappointing because they couldn't even trouble the weak Oviedo.

In fact, if it weren't for their lack of quality, if any team deserved to go into halftime winning, it was the Asturians, who had made Oblak work with two clear chances at the end of the first half.

Thus, Simeone took note and brought Julián on at halftime, and the energy changed. Although not 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 didn't have any shots on goal, but between the fatigue that started affecting Oviedo and Atleti's determination, the goal began to loom. First, it was Baena, but the goal was disallowed for offside, making it seem inevitable that the 0-0 would be a 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 generated much danger, but in the first—and only—chance he had, he didn't forgive: At 94 minutes and with Atlético desperately pushing, the ball fell to the forward in the area, and with impressive composure, he maneuvered and shot with his left foot. A stunning goal. For Cholo to celebrate, the Colchonero fans, and all of Atlético . Because thanks to Julián, the hero of the night, Atlético de Madrid takes away more than just a victory. These are three crucial points that keep them in the Champions League qualification 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's not 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.