Atletico Madrid edged Rayo Vallecano 3-2 in a fiesty derby that had everything drama, tension, and a hat-trick hero. Julian alvarez was the difference , carrying Atleti on his back on a night when they desperately needed to win, this victory felt bigger than just three points, as aleti cant afford to slip up too far behind league leaders Real Madrid, Softfootball reports
This season, Simeone's men have let themselves down far too often, throwing away leads against Mallorca and Getafe in games they should have controlled. Fans were beginning to question the team's mentality. But against Rayo, it was alvarez who made sure history didn't repeat itself. this time Atleti looked vulnerable, the Argentine stepped up, reminding everyone why the club invested so heavily in him.
According to top journalist Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle , Diego Simeone was glowing in his praise after the match, he said: