Julian Alvarez keeps Atletico Madrid within reach of Barcelona with win over Deportivo La Coruna

Atletico Madrid moved to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona after Julian Alvarez’s second-half goal secured a 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The result came in the 10th round of the Spanish top flight and took Atletico’s points tally to 25. Diego Simeone’s side remain second, two points behind Barcelona, but have played one match fewer.

Alvarez scored the only goal of the game in the 48th minute, converting Alejandro Grimaldo’s cross to put Atletico ahead.

The Argentina striker has now scored in consecutive matches for Atletico Madrid in all competitions for the first time since April. He previously found the net in the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad and then in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.

The victory was Atletico’s fifth in succession in La Liga. Deportivo, meanwhile, remain on 11 points and occupy 10th place after suffering their third defeat of the season.

Deportivo La Coruna have not won away against Atletico Madrid in the competition since November 2009.