The Spider Strikes for a Record-Breaking Atlético and Winter Champion

By the narrowest of margins and racing against the clock, Atlético achieved their mission, defeating Osasuna, reclaiming the top spot, sealing a record of 14 consecutive victories across all competitions, and clinching the honorary title of winter champion after concluding the first round. The last time they achieved this, in the 20-21 season, they went on to win the league title.

Despite the overhaul in Vicente Moreno's lineup, which featured many secondary players, they made it difficult for an Atlético side that remains unbeaten at home. The match was decided by a strategic play, executed even better on the pitch than on the drawing board, and finished by Julián Álvarez. The victory was narrow but fair, indisputable.

From more to less, the first act of an Atlético that started strong and ended imprecise, hasty, and asymmetrical, lacking in attack on their left wing because Gallagher does not fit that profile. Quite the opposite of the red ones, overwhelmed in the first quarter of an hour, but later able to balance the contest, repeatedly stopping the game and thus preventing the colchoneros from managing with rhythm, speed, and continuity.

The match began with two almost consecutive fouls on Griezmann as soon as he received the ball with his back to the goal, a clear sign that the Navarrese wanted to prevent the Frenchman from turning at all costs. The pressure from the Madrid side was intense, allowing them to recover the ball quickly. Seven minutes in, a goal by Griezmann was disallowed, at the VAR's request, for hitting a tense cross from Nahuel with his elbow. It was a lightning-fast play, but precisely for these situations, technology was implemented, not for trivialities.

Soon after, an excellent combination between Griezmann and the electric Giuliano, which Julián Álvarez failed to finish in an unbeatable position. The former City striker had another clear chance, one he usually doesn't miss, but he failed to head De Paul's subtle pass with power. In both plays, Sergio Herrera shone. It seemed then that Osasuna could be thrashed at the Metropolitano.

Gradually, however, Atlético declined, and the visitors breathed easier, as the ball no longer burned as much for them. They even threatened with a cross that Herrando headed wide at an empty goal because Oblak had come out for nothing. And little more before the break, beyond another shot by Julián on goal, after a messy action, which Herrera stopped for the third time.

At this point, the result, the dynamics, and the fact that many of the starters were still waiting on Vicente Moreno's bench, favored the Pamplona side on paper. But this Atlético has faith, is strong, almost infallible before their fans, and has enormous squad depth.

The match resumed with Samu Lino replacing the Englishman, bringing more work than flair. With the Brazilian winger, well-associated with Galán, Atlético was already threatening on all fronts, including set pieces. In one of them, they broke through their enemy. A corner forced by Giuliano, relentless, short pass, a sweet cross from Griezmann, and a layoff from Lenglet for Julián to finish after controlling with his chest.

Moreno responded quickly with a triple change, three starters like Moncayola, Aimar, and Areso, and a system change with four at the back. But the afternoon was already uphill for his troops. Atlético pulled lines back to try to seal the game on the counterattack. That's why Llorente came in for Giuliano, exhausted from running so much. In the final stretch, just as Osasuna enlisted Budimir, Correa replaced Julián. Nothing changed. Moreno still hasn't beaten Simeone, his team is on a seven-match winless streak, and Atlético returns to the top.