Champions Atletico suffer shock loss at Alaves

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Heroic Alaves defending stuns Atletico Madrid in LaLiga loss

Atletico Madrid suffers its first loss of the LaLiga season after a 1-0 defeat vs. Deportivo Alaves.

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:03 am

Atletico Madrid's Spanish title defence was dealt a blow as they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at lowly Alaves in LaLiga on Saturday.

Victor Laguardia's fourth-minute header from a Ruben Duarte corner was enough for the hosts to secure their first win of the season.

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"We need to improve and ensure that our games are more consistent, because right now they really aren't," Diego Simeone said.

"It's always tough when the opposition closes up shop. We didn't have the kind of speed or skill needed to undo them.

"The most important thing for us is to improve and grow and I'm confident we're heading in the right direction with the work we're doing."

Atleti huffed and puffed as they attempted to find a way back into the match, but were kept out by admirable defending from the hosts.

Marcos Llorente, Luis Suarez and substitute Angel Correa all went close for the visitors and Laguardia headed Kieran Trippier's shot off the line.

Tomas Pina missed a glorious chance to double Alaves' lead nine minutes from time, but fired over when unmarked on the penalty spot -- but his side hung on to claim a first victory over Atleti since 2003.

The result left Simeone's side second, two points behind leaders Real Madrid, who are in action later on Saturday when they host Villarreal.

Alaves moved off the foot of the table.