Real Madrid faced a setback in their La Liga title defense with a 2-1 loss to Real Betis on Saturday. Atletico Madrid capitalised on this opportunity to claim the top position in the league standings.
Atletico Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 victory against fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao, putting them two points ahead of both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
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Former Real Madrid player Isco scored the decisive penalty for Betis. Barcelona have the chance to reclaim the lead with a win against Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Carlo Ancelotti fielded a strong Real Madrid team despite their upcoming Champions League match against Atletico, acknowledging the tight title race.
"If we play like this on Tuesday we will not win," said Ancelotti, whose side has only managed one win in their last five Liga matches.
Real Madrid initially took the lead at the Benito Villamarin stadium through Brahim Diaz. However, Betis equalised with Johnny Cardoso's header, as Madrid missed suspended midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Isco secured the win for the Andalusian team with a second-half penalty.
Isco, who returned to action in December after recovering from a broken leg, has shown impressive form recently.
"About halfway through the first half we stepped up our game, and I'm happy with the win against the best team around these days," said Isco, who had won several major trophies with Real Madrid before leaving in 2022.
At the Metropolitano stadium, Atletico Madrid maintained their composure to temporarily lead the title race. After Alvarez scored, Athletic Bilbao hit the woodwork three times while searching for an equaliser.
"It's an incredibly important win, we knew it would not be easy," Alvarez told Movistar. "We're in the fight for the title, but we know there's a long way to go, a lot of very important games are coming close together, but with hard work and humility we'll achieve (our goals)."
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a crucial save against Inaki Williams early in the match. The substitutes once again proved decisive for Atletico Madrid.
Marcos Llorente and Alvarez, introduced just before the hour mark, combined for the winning goal in the 66th minute. Llorente provided the assist for Alvarez's eighth league goal.
Athletic Bilbao came close to equalising when Benat Prados' header hit the post and Williams' rebound struck the crossbar.
"In the second half our changes helped us, Oblak too, and the goddess of fortune with the shots that hit the post and the bar," said Atletico coach Simeone.
Williams hit the woodwork again with a deflected long-range effort, leaving Athletic frustrated.
