In a thrilling encounter that showcased the highs and lows of LaLiga, Atlético de Madrid faced off against UD Las Palmas at the Estadio Gran Canaria on April 19, 2025. Despite entering the match with a solid third-place ranking, the Colchoneros found themselves on the back foot for much of the game, ultimately succumbing to a last-minute goal that sealed their fate.
Atlético Madrid, currently holding the third position in the league standings with 53 goals scored and only 26 allowed, came into the match expecting to secure a victory against the 17th-placed Las Palmas. The team, led by coach Diego Simeone, was determined to maintain their position in the race for the title, especially with rivals Real Madrid set to play later against Athletic Bilbao.
From the outset, Atlético struggled to break through a well-organized Las Palmas defense. The first half saw two significant scoring opportunities, one from Julian Alvarez and another from Alexander Sorloth, but neither could find the back of the net. Alvarez, who has been a key player for Atlético this season with 14 goals and 2 assists, was particularly frustrated as he failed to convert his chances into points.
Despite Atlético's dominance in possession and a total of 349 shots throughout the season, they found themselves unable to capitalize on their opportunities against a Las Palmas side that had been fighting hard to avoid relegation. Las Palmas, who had scored 37 goals but conceded 52, were determined to make a statement against one of the league's top teams.
The turning point came in the dying moments of the match. After a tense standoff, the referee was called to review a potential offside through VAR. In a dramatic twist, Javier Munoz of Las Palmas scored in the 90+5th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and sealing a 1-0 victory for the hosts. This late strike not only marked a crucial win for Las Palmas but also left Atlético Madrid reeling and questioning their ability to maintain their top-three status.
As the final whistle blew, Atlético remained in third place, but the pressure was mounting as Real Madrid prepared to take on Athletic Bilbao the following day. With only a few matches left in the season, every point is critical, and Atlético's inability to secure a win against a lower-ranked team could prove costly.
Looking at the statistics, Atlético's performance was marked by a stark contrast in their offensive and defensive capabilities. While they have scored 53 goals this season, their defense has been solid, allowing only 26 goals. In comparison, Las Palmas has struggled defensively, with 52 goals conceded, highlighting the disparity in their league positions.
In addition to Alvarez, who has been pivotal in Atlético's attack, Sorloth has also made his mark with 12 goals this season. However, the duo's efforts were not enough to secure a victory on this occasion. Antoine Griezmann, another key player for Atlético, has contributed 8 goals and 5 assists this season, but his influence was muted in this match.
On the other side, Las Palmas found themselves relying on their top performers to deliver under pressure. Fabio Silva, who has scored 10 goals this season, and Sandro Ramirez, with 8 goals, were crucial in keeping Las Palmas competitive in the match. The team's resilience in defense, combined with their opportunistic attack, ultimately led to their unexpected triumph.
As the league progresses, Atlético Madrid will need to regroup quickly. With their next match looming, the team must address their recent struggles in finishing and capitalize on scoring opportunities if they hope to keep pace with the league leaders.
Meanwhile, Las Palmas will savor this victory as they look to climb further away from the relegation zone. The win not only boosts their confidence but also provides a much-needed morale boost as they continue to fight for survival in LaLiga.
As the season heads into its final stretch, the stakes are higher than ever. Atlético Madrid must bounce back and find their form quickly, while Las Palmas will aim to build on this momentum as they strive to secure their place in the league for another season.
With Real Madrid's match against Athletic Bilbao set to take place, the implications of this weekend's results could have lasting effects on the title race and relegation battle in LaLiga. Will Atlético be able to recover in time, or will they continue to falter as the season concludes? Only time will tell.
