Julián Álvarez scored his first LaLiga goal in eight months as Atlético Madrid beat Deportivo 1-0 to climb to within two points of leaders Barcelona.

Álvarez, who was involved in a contentious transfer saga involving Barcelona this summer, scored the game's only goal early in the second half. The Argentina forward was making his first league start of the season and his goal was his first in front of Atlético's home fans in the league since November 2025. 

The goal was enough as Atlético extended their unbeaten run to eight matches before Barca take on Real Madrid at Camp Nou in Sunday's Clásico.

Atlético's six-game winning run in all competitions was halted in Tuesday's 1-1 Champions League draw in Stuttgart and they came under early pressure against Deportivo.

Visiting defender Miguel Loureiro's header was saved by Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who pulled off two more in quick succession midway through the first half to keep out Yeremay Hernández's long-range effort and Lorenzo Amatucci's follow-up.

Atlético stirred themselves as half-time approached, but they failed to trouble Depor goalkeeper Leo Román as shots from Lee Kang-In, Pablo Barrios and Morten Hjulmand were all off target.

Atlético boss Diego Simeone sent on son Giuliano Simeone and Robin Le Normand in place of Barrios and Ademola Lookman at the start of the second half and the changes had an immediate impact.

Alejandro Grimaldo provided the cross and Álvarez converted from close range to make it two goals in as many matches having scored the equaliser at Stuttgart in midweek.

Atlético stepped it up in pursuit of a second. Álex Baena's effort from outside the box was saved by Roman and the Spain midfielder had another shot blocked before Dávid Hancko and Simeone fired high and wide.

The home side continued to threaten, but Álvarez and Simeone were thwarted by Román before Depor went close to snatching a point through Kevin Sanchez's stoppage-time shot, which was superbly saved by Oblak.

PA contributed to this report.