Alvarez scores first goal of the season to give Atletico win over Deportivo

Atletico Madrid defeated Deportivo A Coruna 1-0 in Round 10 of LaLiga, Spain's top football division. The only goal came from forward Alvarez, whose strike was his first of the season. The result keeps Atletico in second place in the league table.

How the match unfolded

Both teams had chances to open the scoring in the first half. In the 27th minute Deportivo's Lorenco Amatucci tried to capitalise on a rebound, but Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made an excellent save to keep his side level.

After the break the Madrid side took the lead quickly. In the 48th minute Alvarez finished from close range after a pass from Alejandro Grimaldo. In the 71st minute he had a chance to add a second, receiving a pass inside the penalty area, but he shot straight at Deportivo goalkeeper Leo Roman.

Late on, the visitors had an opportunity to equalise. In the fifth minute of stoppage time Kevin Sanchez found himself in a good position five metres from goal but failed to strike the ball cleanly, and Oblak gathered it comfortably.

Table and other results

After 10 rounds Atletico have 25 points, with eight wins, one draw and one defeat, and a goal difference of 20-8. Leaders Barcelona have 27 points and have played one match fewer. Deportivo are tenth with 11 points.

In other matches of the round, Valencia and Villarreal drew 1-1, Racing beat Espanyol 2-1 at home, Elche won 3-0 away at Rayo Vallecano, and Alaves and Malaga drew 1-1.