Atletico Madrid took the lead through Grimaldo before Lucas Boyé equalised for Alavés from the penalty spot shortly before half-time. The decisive moment arrived late, when Romero headed home to secure three points for Diego Simeone’s side.
Simeone was pleased with the response shown by his players, particularly after Alavés had drawn level. He said Atlético continued to pursue victory even when the game became more difficult following the hosts’ dismissal of Ángel Pérez in the 61st minute.
“The team tried, created good football and kept working for the goal,” Simeone said. “We were left with the feeling that 1-1 was not enough. They defend well, the game goes on, and the sending-off makes it more difficult because they drop deeper.”
The Atlético coach highlighted the contribution of his squad, including the players who entered the match from the bench. He said the response mattered regardless of the final score, although victory naturally made it more satisfying.
Simeone also cautioned against drawing conclusions about Atlético’s longer-term prospects, describing the team as a work in progress. He said new players were still adapting to the demands of the club and that reaching Atlético’s standards required more than simply joining the squad.
Alavés coach Quique Sánchez Flores felt his side had competed well for long periods and regretted conceding so late.
“We competed well against an opponent who demanded a great deal from us and played a very good game,” he said. “They moved the ball quickly and with great judgement. It was a shame to concede so close to the end.”
Quique also questioned how the dismissal affected his tactical plans. He had been preparing several substitutions and wanted to see how the match developed with both teams at full strength.
“The sending-off came when we had several changes ready, and I would have liked to see that game with 11 players,” he said. “With one player fewer, we found ourselves in a difficult situation and moved away from what we could achieve.”
The Alavés coach admitted his team had struggled to retain possession, allowing Atlético to dictate the tempo and force them to chase the ball. He said the visitors’ quality had made the challenge harder, particularly after the dismissal.
Quique nevertheless rejected the suggestion that the defeat should cause alarm, insisting Alavés must remain realistic about their capabilities and objectives.
For Atlético, Romero’s late intervention completed a hard-earned comeback in a match Simeone’s side had been determined to win. For Alavés, the result was a frustrating setback after a competitive performance was undermined by the dismissal and a late defensive failure.