Thiago Almada marked his return for Atlético Madrid with the winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Osasuna on Matchday 9 of La Liga. The Argentine midfielder came back after missing seven games due to a right leg muscle injury.
Before the match, coach Diego Simeone said: “He’s a player with a special understanding of the game — those passes only a few can see. We need a lot from him, whether he plays ten, ninety, sixty, or five minutes.”
A full Argentine connection led to the goal: Giuliano Simeone made a strong run down the right and sent a precise cut-back into the box, where Thiago Almada met it first-time, guiding the ball cleanly into the back of the net to give Atlético a 1–0 lead.
The former Botafogo and Olympique Lyon player made his fourth appearance for Atlético and scored his first goal for the club — the 56th of his professional career.
Julián Álvarez also started for Diego Simeone’s team.
