Lookman features as Atletico Madrid leave it late to beat Alaves

Ademola Lookman made his seventh LaLiga appearance of the season as Atletico Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves at Mendizorrotza on Saturday.

The Nigeria international started the Matchday 8 fixture but was replaced at half-time, having played 46 minutes. He has scored one league goal this season.

Atletico Madrid arrived in pursuit of the leaders and ended a four-match wait for a win at the venue. Diego Simeone’s side eventually took all three points after overcoming a spirited Alaves performance.

The visitors opened the scoring after 33 minutes. Jonathan David produced an excellent backheel to send the ball through the Alaves defence, allowing Alejandro Grimaldo to finish decisively.

Alaves levelled in the sixth minute of first-half added time following a penalty. Robin Le Normand brought down Jonny Otto after a free-kick, and Lucas Boye converted from the spot to make it 1-1 at the interval.

The contest shifted in Atletico Madrid’s favour in the 61st minute when Alaves defender Angel Perez was shown a red card following a VAR review. He was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Julian Alvarez.

Despite having an extra player, Atletico Madrid needed until the 87th minute to regain the lead.

Substitute Alex Baena delivered a cross into the penalty area, where summer arrival Cristian Romero rose above the defence to head the ball into the net. It was Romero’s first goal for the club and proved to be the decisive strike.

The win moved Atletico Madrid on to 19 points from eight matches, leaving them second in the table. Alaves remain sixth with 11 points.