Alaves 2-0 Atletico Madrid: Alaves stun Atletico to shoot away from LaLiga relegation scrap

Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Deportivo Alaves, who secured a crucial 2-0 win to alleviate their relegation worries. This victory only marked the second win in 10 LaLiga matches for Luis García's team.

Following a disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League against Borussia Dortmund earlier in the week, Atletico's manager from Argentina may have been relieved to face Alaves, a team battling relegation and had only scored twice in their last seven league games.

Despite a slow start to the game, Carlos Benavidez surprised the hosts by scoring a magnificent curling shot into the bottom corner after 15 minutes. Atletico struggled to respond, with Alaves' defense holding strong. The first significant chance for Atleti came in the 38th minute, but defender Mario Hermoso missed the target from a great position.

Before halftime, Atletico faced another scare when a penalty was initially awarded for a handball by Cesar Azpilicueta, only to be overturned after VAR intervention by referee Jesus Gil Manzano.

In order to apply pressure on Girona in third place and maintain a safe distance from Athletic Club in fifth, Atlético entered the field fully aware of the stakes in the second half.

Despite this, it was still the inspired hosts who continued to create better opportunities. Kike García, after being set free on goal, unfortunately fired his half-volley over the bar shortly after the restart.

As the game progressed past the hour mark, Atletico predictably began to assert more control over the proceedings. Alaves defender Javi Lopez expertly blocked Roro Riquelme's shot from 12 yards out, denying him a certain goal.

Although Alaves posed a distinct threat on the counter, the pressure continued to mount. Samuel Lino was the next to test the hosts' defense, but goalkeeper Antonio Sivera was up to the task, saving his side-footed effort from inside the penalty area.

However, fatigue once again plagued the visitors, resulting in a depleted attacking display. As a result, they were unable to sustain pressure on their opponents' goal in the final stages of the match.

Nevertheless, there was still time for another remarkable goal. Luis Rioja's exquisite volley from the edge of the area secured all three points for his side, concluding another lightning-fast counterattack from the Basque team.