Atletico Madrid may be out of the La Liga title race — at least mathematically still alive, but realistically long gone — yet Diego Simeone’s men proved they’re not done fighting. In a composed and clinical display, Los Colchoneros eased past Rayo Vallecano to all but seal their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

It was a professional performance at the Cívitas Metropolitano, where Atletico showed flashes of their trademark grit and tactical discipline. While the spotlight in Spain remains fixed on the fierce battle between Real Madrid, Barcelona, and an inspired Girona, this result ensures Atletico stay comfortably within the top four — or rather, top five, which under Spain's new coefficient allocation system, also grants a coveted Champions League ticket.

2024-25, Spain - La Liga

Atletico Madrid - Rayo Vallecano 3:0 (2:0)
Goals: Sørloth, 3 (1:0); Gallagher C., 45 (2:0); Álvarez Jul., 77 (3:0)

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Lenglet; Galán J. (Lino, 81); Le Normand; Gallagher C. (Azpilicueta, 81); De Paul (Koke, 81); Barrios P.; Llorente M.; Sørloth (Griezmann, 61); Álvarez Jul.; Simeone G-o (Molina N., 67)
Bench: Musso; Gimenez Jose; Reinildo; Angel Correa; Lemar; Riquelme R.; Witsel

Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Álvaro García (Embarba, 83); Espino (Chavarría, 68); Lejeune; Ratiu; Díaz Р.; Ciss P.; Nteka (Guardiola S., 76); López U. (De Frutos, 68); Valentín Ó. (Gumbau, 68); Palazón
Bench: Cárdenas; Aridane; Balliu; de las Sias; Fernandez P.; Trejo; de Tomás
Yellow Cards: Ratiu 66; Batalla 79