Sorloth’s header extends Atletico’s winning streak with victory over Getafe

Alexander Sorloth's decisive header secured a 1-0 victory for Atletico Madrid against Getafe on 15 December, earning Diego Simeone's side their 11th consecutive win across all competitions.

The triumph at the Metropolitano Stadium allowed Atletico to provisionally draw level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga, while moving one point clear of rivals Real Madrid, who were held to a draw by Rayo Vallecano a day earlier.

Atletico dominated possession in the first half but struggled to convert their chances.

Samuel Lino squandered two of the best opportunities, first steering a close-range effort wide from Giuliano Simeone's cross and later missing the target after Rodrigo De Paul set him up with a clever lob.

De Paul, in a fine run of form, also came close with a sweeping strike that edged just wide. Julian Alvarez tested Getafe goalkeeper David Soria late in the first half, but the sides went into the break locked at 0-0.

The breakthrough came in the 69th minute when substitute Sorloth rose at the far post to meet Nahuel Molina's pinpoint cross, heading back across goal to beat Soria.

It was the Norwegian forward's seventh league goal of the season, once again underlining his value as a super-sub.

Getafe pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but struggled to create clear-cut chances.

Angel Correa nearly added a second for Atletico on the counterattack, but a combination of Soria and two defenders denied the Argentine.