Atletico Madrid survive Alaves scare to extend La Liga winning streak

Atletico Madrid had to dig deep in their return to La Liga with a 2-1 home win over Alaves.

Los Rojiblancos move second in the table overnight with an important win in their comeback from November's international break.

Three points in the Spanish capital extend their winning run to three in the league and five overall, but they were made to work by their Basque visitors.

The home side got off to a nightmare start when Jon Guridi shot the ball in from the penalty spot after just eight minutes.

Atletico took control from there but struggled for the finishing touch, with Samuel Lino denied by the frame of the Alaves goal.

That set the pattern of the tie after half-time, as Atletico Madrid moved forward and Alaves was in defense.

But just as frustration began to mount, VAR awarded the hosts their own penalty, which Antoine Griezmann buried after 76 minutes.

That broke Alaves' resistance in the closing stages and substitute Alexander Sorloth came off the bench to score for the second home game in a row.

Images via Getty Images/One Football