Al-Ahli started strong in the first half, and kept their hosts under early pressure, with Marek Rodak making saves to deny Galeno, Ivan Toney and Franck Kessie. They came closest to taking the lead in the 35th minute through Merih Demiral as he rose highest to meet Alvaro Medran's corner, but his effort struck the top of the goal frame. Just moments later, Georginio Wijnaldum had a glorious opportunity to score after being played in behind, but he skewed his shot well wide of the far post.
Diego Simeone's side were made to pay for a glut of missed opportunities in the contest, with their profligacy in the final third leaving them 14th in the standings. Atletico hit the front in the seventh minute through Giuliano Simeone, who rode Moussa Diarra's challenge inside the box before sending a left-footed effort into the roof of the net. But Alaves restored parity six minutes later after Alexander Sorloth fouled Nahuel Tenaglia, with Carlos Vicente stepping up to dispatch the resulting penalty past Jan Oblak's dive.