Atletico Madrid’s bid to go top of LaLiga ended in disappointment as they suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Getafe on Sunday. Despite leading late into the game through an Alexander Sorloth penalty, Diego Simeone’s side conceded twice in stoppage time to fall behind Real Madrid and Barcelona in the title race.
The visitors struggled to impose themselves in a scrappy first half, with Getafe frustrating them through disciplined defending. Atletico’s best attacking moments came through Giuliano Simeone, who tested Getafe’s backline, while Christantus Uche forced a save from Jan Oblak at the other end.
Rodrigo De Paul, a key figure in midfield, was withdrawn at halftime after picking up a knock, likely with Atletico’s crucial Champions League tie against Real Madrid in mind. Simeone then introduced Sorloth for Julian Alvarez, and the Norwegian forward made an instant impact.
With 15 minutes remaining, Omar Alderete handled the ball inside the box, and Sorloth confidently converted from the penalty spot for his 10th league goal of the season. Atletico seemed set for a hard-fought victory, but the game turned dramatically in the closing moments.
In the 87th minute, substitute Angel Correa was sent off for a high challenge on Djene Dakonam, reducing Atletico to 10 men. Getafe took full advantage, equalising just minutes later when Mauro Arambarri finished from close range following a flicked-on free kick.
With momentum on their side, the hosts pressed for a winner, and Arambarri struck again in the 92nd minute, cleverly redirecting Diego Rico’s long-range effort past Oblak. The result marked Getafe’s first victory over Atletico in 25 league meetings, ending an unbeaten streak that had stretched since 2011.
Simeone did not hide his frustration after the match, admitting to DAZN that Atletico had delivered a "really bad performance." He acknowledged the game was "tight," but lamented their failure to manage the closing stages.
The defeat leaves Atletico one point behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, who both have 57 points. With a game in hand, Barcelona remain top despite their postponed fixture, while Madrid moved level on points after beating Rayo Vallecano 2-1.
Atletico now shift their focus to a high-stakes Champions League second-leg clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday before hosting Barcelona in La Liga next weekend. After this setback, Simeone’s side must quickly regroup if they are to stay in contention for silverware.
Post a Comment