Alvarez strike sends Atletico Madrid to the top with win over Osasuna

A decisive goal from Julian Alvarez secured Atletico Madrid a 1-0 victory over Osasuna on 12 January, lifting them to the top of La Liga.

Diego Simeone's side now lead the league by a single point over reigning champions Real Madrid and sit six points clear of third-placed Barcelona at the halfway stage of the season.

The victory marked Atletico's 14th consecutive win in all competitions, setting a new club record. It was also their eighth straight La Liga triumph, with five clean sheets during that run, showcasing their trademark defensive solidity.

Atletico began on the front foot against an Osasuna side missing several regulars, including their top scorer Ante Budimir, who started on the bench. Antoine Griezmann had an early effort disallowed for handball, while Julian Alvarez missed two promising chances in the first half.

The clearest opportunity came when Rodrigo De Paul lofted a perfectly weighted pass over the defence, but Alvarez's awkwardly bouncing effort was stopped by Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera.

As the first half progressed, Vicente Moreno's visitors—currently 11th in the table—settled into the match and managed to limit Atletico's opportunities.

Atletico's persistence paid off early in the second half, courtesy of a well-executed corner routine. Griezmann's curling cross to the far post was headed back into the danger area by Clement Lenglet, allowing Alvarez to pounce and fire home from close range.

The goal marked Alvarez's sixth in La Liga since his summer arrival from Manchester City. Although Atletico were not at their fluent best, they controlled proceedings, with goalkeeper Jan Oblak barely troubled by Osasuna's attack.

Elsewhere, Getafe clinched a vital 2-1 victory over Las Palmas, moving three points clear of the relegation zone.