MADRID: Julian Alvarez’s late goal earned Atletico Madrid a dramatic 1-0 win at Celta de Vigo on Thursday to move them up to third in the LaLiga table. Atlético avoided a second consecutive draw to move to 15 points, one ahead of Villarreal and two behind Real Madrid, who host on Sunday. Barcelona lead by 21 points. Big-money signing Alvarez narrowly finished off Antoine Griezmann’s accurate cross in the final minute of regulation time to score his second goal of the season. “It was a very important win on a very difficult pitch. We gradually improved in the match,” Alvarez told DAZN. “Obviously the goal helps my confidence, but the important thing is to help the team.” Atleti goalkeeper Jan Oblak was key as Celta suffered their first home defeat of the season, denying captain Iago Aspas and Borja Iglesias with superb saves. “The team played a great game. We controlled possession, we had some very good chances and in the end it was a goal,” Celta goalkeeper Vicente Guaita said. “Julian was smarter than our defenders and I and they beat us.
