Atlético Madrid's slim title hopes fade after draw with Alavés

Updated: May 3, 2025, 10:29 am

Atlético Madrid's fading hopes of winning the LaLiga title suffered a potentially grievous blow on Saturday as they were held to a goalless draw by relegation-threatened Alavés at the Mendizorrotza Stadium.

Atlético, who last won LaLiga in 2021, dominated possession but lacked the invention and urgency to pierce an organised Alavés rearguard.

Diego Simeone's side remained third in the table with 67 points, nine behind leaders Barcelona who travel to Real Valladolid later on Saturday.

The first half was a cagey affair without a single shot on target, the most notable moment coming when Atlético forward Julián Álvarez was dismissed for planting a high boot on Facundo Garcés.

However, replays showed the challenge was not as bad as it initially appeared and the red card was changed to a yellow after VAR asked the referee to consult the pitchside monitor.

Atlético Madrid have fallen short of Real Madrid and Barcelona in LaLiga this season.
ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images

Antoine Griezmann made his first start in three league games but the Frenchman was unable to help Atlético find a route to goal as the visitors failed to record a shot in the opening 45 minutes.

Alavés had a chance early in the second half but Jon Guridi failed to convert, sending a header wide after being left unmarked in Atlético's penalty area.

Simeone brought on attackers Alexander Sørloth and Samuel Lino and the substitutions sparked the contest into life, with Lino recording Atlético's first shot on target in the 71st minute.

Alavés did the same at the other end as Kike Garcia's side-footed effort from close range was expertly kept out by Jan Oblak.

Alavés keeper Antonio Sivera was kept very busy in the closing stages as Atlético pushed forward, but the visitors were unable to find a winner.

The draw moved Alavés up to 16th, three points clear of the relegation places.

"It's a good point against a great opponent," Alaves defender Garces said.

"I'm very happy with the work we've done, this helps us to gain confidence and to add to our tally. We're all on the same page. We have to keep pushing and make the stadium a fortress for the last two games here."