Atletico Madrid vs Valladolid 2025, Julian Alvarez Brace Keeps La Liga Title Race Alive

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Atletico Madrid vs Valladolid Laliga 24/25, Atletico Madrid continued their title chase with a thrilling 4-2 win over bottom-placed Real Valladolid at a rainy Metropolitano Stadium on Monday night. Julian Alvarez was the star of the match, scoring two penalties and guiding his team to an important victory that keeps them just three points behind second-placed Real Madrid.

Match Summary

Despite playing against a struggling Valladolid side, Atletico Madrid didn’t have it easy. The visitors shocked the home crowd by scoring first, but the hosts quickly bounced back with determination and energy.

Valladolid Takes a Surprise Lead

Real Valladolid took the lead in the 21st minute through Mamadou Sylla, who calmly converted a penalty after VAR confirmed a handball by Atletico defender Clement Lenglet. It was a rare bright moment for a team that had lost their last four matches and sits deep in the relegation zone.

Atletico Strikes Back Quickly

Julian Alvarez responded just four minutes later with a penalty of his own, also awarded after a VAR check for a foul on Giuliano Simeone. This equalizer brought Atletico back into the game.

In the 27th minute, Giuliano Simeone made it 2-1 with a well-taken goal after receiving a perfectly lofted assist from Pablo Barrios. The young forward impressed with his composure and quick finishing inside the box.

Valladolid Levels Again

Just when Atletico seemed in control, Valladolid equalized in the 56th minute. Javi Sanchez’s free-kick deflected off Conor Gallagher and caught Jan Oblak off guard, leveling the score at 2-2. It was a frustrating moment for the Atletico defense, which had been under little pressure before the goal.

Alvarez Puts Atletico Ahead Again

In the 71st minute, Alvarez scored his second penalty of the night after Henrique fouled Marcos Llorente inside the box. The Argentine forward showed his calm and class, placing the ball past Valladolid keeper Andre Ferreira for his 14th La Liga goal of the season.

Sorloth Seals the Win

Substitute Alexander Sorloth added Atletico’s fourth goal in the 79th minute after pouncing on a rebound. Ferreira had saved Alvarez’s effort, but Sorloth was quick to react and tapped it in from close range to make it 4-2.

What This Win Means for Atletico

This win keeps Atletico Madrid in third place with 63 points—just three behind Real Madrid and seven off league leaders Barcelona. With seven games left in the season, Diego Simeone’s side still has a real chance at fighting for the La Liga crown if they maintain their winning form.

Julian Alvarez was clearly the man of the match. His confidence on penalties, ability to create space, and overall attacking performance were exactly what Atletico needed. His growing influence on the team is becoming hard to ignore, especially with Antoine Griezmann struggling for form.

Valladolid’s Relegation Worries Deepen

Valladolid now finds themselves with just 16 points after five straight losses. They are 14 points away from safety, and with only seven games remaining, their chances of avoiding relegation look extremely slim.

Captain Javi Sanchez, who scored one of Valladolid’s goals, admitted after the game that the team must “fight until the end.” However, it may already be too late for them to save their season.

Atletico Madrid vs Valladolid, Key Performers

• Julian Alvarez – Scored twice from the spot and led the attack with confidence.
• Giuliano Simeone – Earned a penalty and scored a key goal. Showed hunger and determination.
• Pablo Barrios – Controlled the midfield and provided a brilliant assist for the second goal.
• Alexander Sorloth – Came off the bench and scored the final goal to secure the win.

Tactical Decisions That Worked

Manager Diego Simeone made key substitutions in the second half, bringing in Rodrigo Riquelme, Sorloth, and Lemar. These players added energy and creativity, helping Atletico take full control in the final stages.

Simeone also deserves credit for switching up the attacking setup in the last 30 minutes. Alvarez moved more centrally, while Llorente and Riquelme provided width, which helped stretch Valladolid’s tired defense.

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