In Atletico’s last home game of 2017, Red-and-whites beat Deportivo Alavés 1-0 thanks to a Fernando Torres goal in the second half. It was a hard-fought and intense contest at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium as Alavés showed a strong defence to maintain the deadlock safe but on 73’ Torres scored the winner lifting atlético up to second spot of the table. -Liga Santander Table-

Torres was dropped from the starting line-up but came onto the pitch on 69’ replacing midfielder Saul Ñígued. A goal was needed to get the three points and the number nine got the most from a Vrsaljko long-range cross from the right. It was his first goal League ever at the new Stadium Wanda Metropolitano.

Atlético dominated possession and little by little began to create chances. Saúl had the first big chance of the night, but his shot went just wide. A couple of minutes later, an acrobatic shot by Koke nearly went in.


In the second half, Diego Pablo Simeone introduced Ángel Correa, Yannick Carrasco and Fernando Torres in hopes of shaking up the game offensively. Correa added a spark to the match and was very participative. However, the man of the night was destined to be 'El Niño'.

Torres scored the only goal of the night in the 74th minute. Our number 9 pushed the ball in after Šime Vrsaljko whipped in a beautiful cross.


- Match stats:

Atlético de Madrid: Oblak; Vrsaljko, Savic, Godín, Filipe Luis; Thomas (Correa, 46’), Koke, Gabi, Saúl (Fernando Torres, 69’); Griezmann y Gameiro (Carrasco, 69’).

Alavés: Pacheco; Martín, Alexis, Maripán, Duarte; Pedraza, Pina (Bojan, 77’), Manu, Ibai (Santos, 84’); Burgui (Medrán, 62’) y Munir.

Bookings: Gil Manzano (Extremadura comitee). Thomas (18’), Savic (34’), Godín (67’); Maripán (35’), Pina (55’), Duarte (61’) and Alexis (86').

Gals:

1-0 (75’) Fernando Torres.