Atletico Madrid’s alarming slide in La Liga continued with a fourth consecutive defeat, as Elche capitalised to secure a crucial victory and boost their survival hopes. What began with a delay due to technical issues with VAR soon turned into another frustrating night for Diego Simeone and his side.

The visitors struck first, with Nico Williams finishing off a slick attacking move to silence the home crowd. However, David Affengruber quickly responded, levelling the score from a corner and exposing familiar defensive vulnerabilities in Atletico’s setup.

The turning point came in the 30th minute, when Thiago Almada was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul inside the penalty area. Andre Silva converted from the spot to give Elche the advantage, but the drama was far from over. Nico Williams struck again soon after, with the goal confirmed following a VAR review, ensuring the contest remained finely balanced.

After the break, Elche ramped up the pressure, particularly down the flanks, consistently testing Atletico’s defensive structure. Their persistence paid off late in the game, as another set-piece proved decisive. David Affengruber turned provider this time, setting up Andre Silva to complete his brace and seal a memorable win.

2025-26, Spain - La Liga

Elche - Atletico Madrid 3:2 (2:2)
Goals: Gonzalez N., 10 (0:1); Affengruber, 18 (1:1); André Silva, 33 (penalty) (2:1); Gonzalez N., 34 (2:2); André Silva, 75 (3:2)

Elche: Dituro; Pétrot L. (Bigas, 82); Affengruber; Traore A-r (Chust, 60); Villar G.; Neto Mar. (Cepeda, 67); Valera G.; Febas; André Silva; Rafa Mir (Rodriguez Alvaro, 67); Tete Morente (Josan F., 67)
Substitution: Chust (from 60); Josan F. (from 67); Cepeda (from 67); Rodriguez Alvaro (from 67); Bigas (from 82)
Bench: Peña I.; Iturbe; Pedrosa; Donald J.; Fort H.; Redondo; Santiago
Yellow Cards: Traore A-r 45; Febas 45

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Lenglet; Le Normand (Molina N., 46); Boñar; Díaz J. (Pubill, 46); Cardoso Joao; Álex Baena (Simeone G-o, 62); Vargas Ob. (Barrios P., 62); Almada (till 30); Gonzalez N.; Mendoza R. (Griezmann, 62)
Substitution: Molina N. (from 46); Pubill (from 46); Barrios P. (from 62); Griezmann (from 62); Simeone G-o (from 62)
Bench: Musso; Martinez D.; Morcillo; Belaid
Yellow Cards: Lenglet 36; Díaz J. 38
Red cards: Almada 30'