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Julian Alvarez scored the 90th-minute winner for Atletico Madrid to give them a 1-0 win at Celta Vigo in La Liga on Thursday.

Even a single point would have flattered Diego Simeone’s side, but they took all three when the substitute Argentina international finished Antoine Griezmann’s cross at the back post.

Celta had the better chances as third-placed Atletico lacked momentum ahead of Sunday’s derby clash with Spanish champions Real Madrid.

“We didn’t play well in attack in the first half,” Simeone told DAZN.

“The substitutes gave us a little more creativity to be able to win the game.”

Simeone started his son Giuliano for the first time after a few substitute appearances in recent weeks, leaving star summer signing Alvarez on the bench.

Atlético were denied a single shot in a poor first half, while Celta only seriously threatened just before half-time when Jan Oblak brilliantly saved Iago Aspas’ shot.

The Slovenian goalkeeper parried another excellent close-range header from Borja Iglesias after 57 minutes to keep Atlético at eye level.

However, it was Atletico who claimed victory as substitute former Manchester City striker Alvarez stayed sharp and turned Griezmann’s long cross home.

“(Hitting) builds confidence and always helps the team… those are three important points,” Alvarez said.

“We knew it would be a difficult game, Celta did very well at home.”

“We improved bit by bit in the game and created a few chances in the second half.”

Earlier, Ayoze Perez scored twice to give Villarreal a 2-1 win at Espanyol, leaving the Yellow Submarine fourth.

With six goals, the Spanish international is only one goal behind Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski in the top scorers list.

The home fans were angered by the lenient nature of referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez, and one threw a plastic cup that hit the referee as he walked off the pitch at the end of time.

Real Betis could only secure a 1-1 draw at bottom-placed Las Palmas.

Barcelona lead the league after beating Getafe 1-0 on Wednesday, followed by Real Madrid, who beat Alaves 3-2 on Tuesday.

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