Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Diego Simeone is delighted to see goals coming from his Atletico Madrid defenders after their LaLiga victory over Alaves.
Atleti won 2-1 on Saturday, with Alejandro Grimaldo and Cristian Romero scoring either side of Lucas Boye’s penalty for Alaves, who saw Angel Perez sent off in the second half.
Six of Atleti’s 18 LaLiga goals this season have now come from defenders, with Grimaldo scoring in three of their last four league games.
Grimaldo is the only defender in LaLiga to have scored more than once this season, while Romero, Marc Pubill and Robin Le Normand have also netted for Atleti this term.
Simeone insisted he does not care where the goals come from, as long as they arrive in the end.
“It’s always important that the goal comes from wherever it comes, as long as it arrives,” said the Atleti boss.
“Beyond Grimaldo’s and Cuti’s [Romero] goals, the team played the game well in the first half, tried various approaches, withstood the opponent’s attack effectively, and created some good play.
Defense wins games https://t.co/XOxKkZHQSO
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) October 10, 2026
“We were stuck at 1-1 after the penalty, and it felt like a small consolation prize given what we were doing. In the second half, they defended very well, very organised.
“The game progressed, and we kept pressing with [Alex] Baena, [Lee] Kang-in, Giuliano [Simeone], [Alexander] Sorloth, Julian [Alvarez]. The sending-off made it even more difficult because the opponent sat back even more.
“It seems easier when they have one less player, but the opponent becomes more focused, and you need to find the spaces. We looked for them in every way possible.”
Atleti remain second in LaLiga after eight games, five points behind leaders Barcelona, but Simeone insisted his side are not the finished product just yet.
“I still think we’re a work in progress, trying to find the players who are adapting to what Atletico is all about and what it takes to make history with the club,” added Simeone.
“There’s a certain level to play for Atletico, and another level to make history with them. Hopefully, we can get on that path.”
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