Soccer-Oblak saves late penalty to give Atletico nervy win over Alaves

Soccer Football - La Liga Santander - Atletico Madrid v Deportivo Alaves - Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - March 21, 2021 Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak celebrates with teammates after saving a penalty REUTERS/Juan Medina

MADRID (Reuters) - La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid had to rely on an heroic late penalty save from goalkeeper Jan Oblak to earn a vital 1-0 victory at home to Alaves on Sunday and preserve their advantage in the title race.

Atletico went ahead in the 54th minute when Luis Suarez headed home a Kieran Trippier cross but Diego Simeone's side were happy to try to defend their lead and almost paid a heavy price when Stefan Savic was penalised for barging Luis Rioja.