Atletico Madrid narrowly escaped a frustrating draw this weekend thanks to some late-game heroics from Cuti Romero. With the clock ticking down and the match tied against Alavés, the team looked like they might drop crucial points in the title race. Even with a man advantage after Ángel Pérez was sent off in the 60th minute, Atletico struggled to break down Quique Flores’ defense, despite Simeone throwing on fresh attacking talent like Julián Alvarez and Kang-In Lee.
The breakthrough finally arrived with just three minutes left on the clock. Baena delivered a stunning, pinpoint pass with the outside of his boot, finding Romero at the back post. He calmly finished the play, securing a vital victory that keeps Atletico firmly in the hunt.