Il Nuovo Postiglione - Romero claims Atletico late win at Alaves

Alejandro Grimaldo put Atletico in front before Lucas Boye equalised from the penalty spot for Alaves before the interval.

Angel Perez was sent off for the hosts in the second half and Romero's header late on took Atletico two points behind Barcelona before the champions face Getafe later Saturday.

Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid in a tense derby clash before the extended international break and were able to snatch a late winner to build on that momentum, even though their performance was underwhelming.

Perez threatened in the opening stages in a tight first half on Saturday, with Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera denying Canada international Jonathan David at the other end.

Grimaldo sent Atletico ahead in the 33rd minute with a cool finish after combining well with fellow summer arrival David.

The former Bayer Leverkusen defender came close to scoring a second with an effort which flew narrowly wide.

Alaves levelled just before the break from the penalty spot through Boye after Robin Le Normand fouled Toni Martinez.

Atletico were given a helping hand when Perez put in an ugly foul on substitute Julian Alvarez just after the hour mark and the Alaves winger was dismissed.

Alvarez, still regaining form and focus after trying to leave Atletico in the summer, hit the post from a free-kick as Simeone's side sought a winner.

Alaves resisted well and Mariano Diaz might have sent the 10-man Basque side ahead as he burst through but the former Real Madrid striker fired high over the crossbar.

His team paid the price when Alex Baena produced a fine cross for former Tottenham defender Romero to nod home at the back post.

Later Saturday Hansi Flick's Barcelona, boasting a 100 percent record, host Getafe, before Real Madrid welcome Villarreal to the Santiago Bernabeu.

T.Barbieri--INP