After a fierce 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid jumped to the provisional top spot in La Liga. Julián Álvarez, a substitute, delivered the game-winning goal in the second half. Diego Simeone's team displayed patience and tenacity in a tough struggle at the Metropolitano before ultimately ending the standoff.

Atlético now leads La Liga with 56 points after this victory, two points ahead of Barcelona, who will play Real Sociedad on Sunday. Athletic Bilbao is still in fourth place with 48 points, while Real Madrid, in third place, lost 2-1 at Real Betis on Saturday.

Before the interval, the hosts came dangerously close to taking the lead. Alexander Sørloth had two good chances, missing a precise Giuliano Simeone cross and then failing to make a clean connection with a delivery from Antoine Griezmann. Despite the early problems, Atlético found their moment after the break, securing a critical three points in the title battle.

Alexander Sørloth, a Norwegian forward, had another excellent chance to end the draw before halftime. He rose high and connected with a precise delivery from Nahuel Molina. Atletico was frustrated in their quest for a breakthrough, though, as his header missed the mark once more.

Meanwhile, siblings Nico and Iñaki Williams created risky opportunities as Athletic Bilbao advanced with purpose. They tried, but were unable to get past Jan Oblak's goal, as the Atletico goalkeeper held firm.

The 66th minute was the turning point. Julián Álvarez, who had replaced Sørloth only minutes before, made an immediate impression. He scored a perfect left-footed goal past the Bilbao defense and into the net after Marcos Llorente's well-timed ball sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

Bilbao resisted giving up and came dangerously close to tying the score late on. Yuri Berchiche's curling delivery found a clean connection with substitute Gorka Guruzeta, who found a spot in the center of the box. However, his attempt missed the mark by a little margin, leaving the visitors to lament a lost opportunity in the closing seconds.

"The important thing is the team and we're still in the fight championship.”

"A very important victory," said Alvarez. "We knew it wasn't going to be easy. We're up there and we're in the fight. We had a lot of chances. We had to score and luckily the goal came.

"I feel very comfortable. My teammates have helped me a lot, the people give me all their affection," added the forward who joined Atleti from Manchester City in the close season.

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