Super sub Alvarez takes Atletico back to the top
Atletico Madrid went back to the top of LaLiga as Julian Alvarez came off the bench to score the winner in a 1-0 triumph over Athletic Club.
Los Colchoneros had a chance to go top ahead of Barcelona hosting Real Sociedad on Monday (AEDT) after Real Madrid lost 2-1 at Real Betis earlier in the day.
Diego Simeone's side went close to taking the lead in the first half through Alexander Sorloth, who sent a header off-target from Antoine Griezmann's pass.
But Alvarez, who came on for Sorloth just before the hour mark, scored the winner in the 66th minute with a precise left-footed shot after being played through by Marcos Llorente.
Simeone's side tops LaLiga with 56 points, two clear of title rival Barcelona and Madrid, while it also faces the latter in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie this week.
Athletic stays fourth on 48 points, six behind Madrid and four clear of Villarreal.
