The match at Wanda Metropolitano commenced with Deportivo Alaves taking an early lead, courtesy of a goal within just 7 minutes. This early setback forced Atletico Madrid to recalibrate their strategy, showcasing the importance of psychological resilience in overturning early deficits. Atletico's inability to respond promptly in the first half highlights a sporadic inefficiency in capitalizing on urgent scenarios, possibly attributable to initial complacency against a side perceived as lower-ranked.

Atletico Madrid's efforts to reclaim dominance materialized in the second half, powered by more strategic offensive plays that led to two crucial goals. The timing of these goals, particularly the quick succession from the 75th to the 85th minute, indicates a robust tactical adjustment by the coaching team. The home side's better leverage of set pieces, evidenced by five corner kicks compared to Alaves's none, underscores their effective use of every opportunity to assert dominance in the attacking third.

Discipline, or lack thereof, played a notable part, with both teams receiving three yellow cards each. However, Alaves's concentrated yellow cards within a 30-minute span of the second half may have disrupted their defensive coherence and increased Atletico's freedom in their attacking maneuvers. The foul count being nearly even for both teams – 18 for Atletico and 19 for Alaves – maintains a narrative of a highly competitive and physical encounter, where marginal superiority in key attacking metrics, such as shots on target and corners, made a decisive difference.

In conclusion, Atletico Madrid's victory was a textbook display of effective tactical adaptation post halftime, optimizing their statistical supremacy in corners to foster set-piece success. Moreover, Alaves's aggressive play manifested in crucial momentary lapses, handing the momentum to the home team. This match underscores the importance of in-game management and strategic fluidity, particularly when rectifying early setbacks.

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