Atlético took the lead through Grimaldo in the 33rd minute, but Lucas Boyé converted a penalty shortly before half-time to bring the hosts level. The visitors eventually found the decisive breakthrough in the closing stages to take all three points.
Grimaldo gives Atlético the advantage
Atlético gradually took control of the first half, moving the ball patiently in search of openings against an Alavés side determined to make home advantage count.
Their pressure produced the breakthrough in the 33rd minute. A well-worked attacking move involving Jonathan David ended with Grimaldo finishing firmly into the net to put the visitors ahead.
Grimaldo nearly doubled the advantage shortly afterwards, but his effort narrowly missed the target as Atlético looked to extend their lead.
Boyé restores parity from the penalty spot
Alavés responded before the interval and were awarded a penalty after an incident in the Atlético area was reviewed by VAR.
Boyé stepped up and converted the spot-kick to make it 1–1, ensuring the hosts went into half-time on level terms.
The equaliser gave Alavés renewed belief and left Atlético facing a difficult second half against opponents who had shown they could punish defensive mistakes.
Red card shifts the balance
The match changed again in the second half when Alavés defender Ángel Pérez was sent off in the 60th minute.
The dismissal left the hosts with ten men and gave Atlético greater opportunities to push forward in search of a winner.
Simeone’s side increased their attacking pressure, but Alavés goalkeeper Antonio Sivera produced several important saves to keep his team in contention.
Atlético continued to probe as the clock ticked down, refusing to settle for a draw.
Romero delivers decisive late blow
Atlético finally broke through in the 87th minute when Romero rose to meet a cross from Álex Baena and headed home the winning goal.
The late strike sparked celebrations among the visiting players and supporters, completing a comeback in a match that had threatened to end in a stalemate.
Alavés attempted to respond in the closing minutes, but Atlético held on to secure a valuable away victory.
Atlético maintain their push near the top
The result strengthened Atlético’s position in the upper reaches of the La Liga table, while Alavés were left frustrated after competing strongly before the dismissal altered the contest.
For Simeone, the win demonstrated his side’s ability to keep pushing under pressure and find a decisive moment late in the match.
Atlético will now turn their attention to their next fixture, a UEFA Champions League meeting with Manchester United on Tuesday, 13 October.
Full-time: Deportivo Alavés 1–2 Atlético Madrid
• Atlético Madrid: Grimaldo 33', Cristian Romero 87'
• Deportivo Alavés: Lucas Boyé (penalty)