Cuti Romero scores late winner at Mendizorroza in first Atletico Madrid goal

Cristian Romero delivered a match-winning moment for Atletico Madrid on Saturday. The Argentine centre-back scored in the 87th minute to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves at Mendizorroza, on the team's return to domestic action after the international break. His first goal in Atletico colours could not have come at a better time, keeping Diego Simeone's side right on Barcelona's heels near the top of the table.

• Cuti Romero scored the winning goal in the 87th minute to make it 2-1 at Mendizorroza.
• It was his first goal for Atletico Madrid since joining the club this season.
• Atletico have now won four consecutive LaLiga matches, with Romero featuring in all of them.
• Juan Pablo Sorin praised his adaptation, saying it feels like he has been at the club for five seasons.

A first goal that seals three crucial points for Atletico

There is no better way to open a scoring account than by winning a match for your new team. Atletico were playing with an extra man and needed the victory to stay within reach of the league leaders. Cuti Romero arrived in the box in the 87th minute and fired in a goal that sparked wild celebrations among the travelling fans. His first strike as a rojiblanco came in a demanding setting, against an Alaves side that had competed fiercely all afternoon.

Sorin: "It feels like he has been at Atletico for five seasons"

Romero's performance did not go unnoticed among those who know him best. Juan Pablo Sorin, the former Argentina international and Movistar pundit, was full of praise for his compatriot. The ex-full-back highlighted how quickly the centre-back has settled into the dressing room and adapted to the team's style of play.

They were already a man up, and Atletico Madrid needed the win to stay close to Barcelona. Cuti being Cuti. What he did against Egypt with Argentina, what he is doing now with Atletico Madrid. It feels like he has been at the club for five seasons, because of his leadership, his way of playing, his calmness and what he transmits.

Sorin also pointed out that the defender was missing just one detail to truly take off in his new chapter. That missing piece was a goal, and it arrived at Mendizorroza, with the strike carrying extra weight because of the points it secured for Atletico.

A leader for Argentina as well: the new captain after Messi and Di Maria

Cristian Romero's growth is not limited to Atletico Madrid. With Argentina, he has taken on a leading role following the international retirements of Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, which left a void in leadership. Lionel Scaloni and his teammates turned to the Atletico centre-back as the new captain, an armband he already wore during the recent international break.

His form for Argentina confirms the excellent moment he is enjoying. Against Bolivia, in a 4-0 victory, Romero also found the net, bringing his total to six goals for the year across all competitions, the highest of his professional career. The defender is having his best season in front of goal while remaining elite at the back.

Defensive numbers that place him among LaLiga's best

Romero's impact at Atletico goes far beyond goals. His defensive numbers put him among the most reliable centre-backs in the league. Across club and national team matches, he averages 8.4 total defensive duels per game with a 74% success rate, as well as more than four aerial duels won per match, close to 70% effectiveness.

He also averages 5.2 interceptions, 6.8 recoveries in his own half per game and almost four clearances per match. One of the most striking figures is that he suffers just 0.2 dribbles per game, underlining his strength in one-on-one situations. On the ball he contributes as well: he records a 91.8% passing accuracy and has become a key piece in starting the build-up play from the back.

Four straight wins with Cuti as the common denominator

Atletico Madrid have now picked up four consecutive victories in LaLiga, totaling 12 points, and Cristian Romero has been on the pitch for all of them. His consistency and availability have coincided with the team's best run of the season so far. Simeone has found in the Argentine a reliable defensive pillar and an emerging leader within the squad.

The win at Mendizorroza keeps Atletico firmly in the fight for the top spots, close behind Barcelona, and reinforces the feeling that Cuti Romero has arrived to stay. His rapid adaptation, his character and his ability to decide big matches have made him one of the most valuable signings of the season in just a few months.