Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid were stunned by Deportivo Alavés, who eased relegation concerns with a stern 2-0 victory, marking just a second win from 10 La Liga contests for Luis García’s men.After a painful UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in midweek, Atleti’s Argentine boss would likely have been content at facing a relegation-threatened Alavés side who had only scored twice in their previous seven league affairs. But, despite a muted opening to the contest, Carlos Benavídez defied the hosts’ perilous position in the league by striking a fabulous curling drive into the bottom corner with 15 minutes gone.The visitors, perhaps hungover from their midweek exploits, offered relatively little in response with Alavés’ backline firmly holding its shape. It took until the 38th minute for Atleti to develop their first big chance, although it probably fell to the wrong man as defender Mario Hermoso blazed high and wide when found in acres of space. Simeone’s troops would receive another scare before the half was out, with referee Jesús Gil Manzano initially pointing for the spot after César Azpilicueta handled in the area, before subsequently ruling it out with the help of the VAR.Needing the points to place pressure on Girona in third and keep distance between themselves and a baying Athletic Club in fifth, Atlético took to the field knowing what was at stake in the second period. It was still the inspired hosts who continued to create the better chances however, with Kike García firing his half-volley over the bar when set free on goal shortly after the restart.##EDITORS_CHOICE##As the game passed the hour mark, Atlético predictably started to increase their control on proceedings, with Alavés defender Javi López expertly blocking Roro Riquelme when he looked certain to score from 12 yards out. Despite Alavés still offering a distinct threat on the counter, pressure continued to mount and Samuel Lino was next to test the hosts’ backline, but stopper Antonio Sivera was equal to his side-footed effort from inside the penalty area.Fatigue took hold of the visitors once again however, and a drained attacking display meant they were unable to maintain pressure on their opponents goal in the final stages. There was still time in the game for another remarkable goal however, with Luis Rioja’s sumptuous volley from the edge of the area sealing all three points for his side at the end of another lightning counter from the Basque side.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 32FridayAth.Bilbao – Granada 1-1 (1-1)/Guruzeta 24 – I. Williams 6 og/SaturdayCelta – Las Palmas 4-1 (2-1)/Aspas 31, 76, Swedberg 39, Douvikas 71 – Herzog 11/Rayo Vallecano – Osasuna 2-1 (0-1)/Chavarria 80, Palazon 84 – Gomez 29/Valencia – Betis 1-2 (0-1)/Pepelu 66 pen – Perez 19, 77/Girona – Cadiz 4-1 (2-0)/Garcia 9, Martin 22, Dovbyk 71, Portu 82 – Escalante 81/SundayGetafe – Sociedad 1-1 (1-1)/Latasa 29 – Barrenetxea 13/Almeria – Villareal 1-2 (0-1)/Lozano 30 – Akhomach 25, Sorloth 90+2/Alaves – Atl.Madrid 2-0 (1-0)/Benavidez 15, Rioja 90+2/22:00: (1.95) Real Madrid (3.70) Barcelona (4.10)Monday22:00: (2.00) Sevilla (3.05) Mallorca (3.90)***odds are subject to change***
