Atlético Madrid faced a shocking setback as they suffered their first defeat of the season against CD Leganés, losing 0-1 on January 18, 2025. This loss was particularly concerning for the team, occurring just days before their highly anticipated Champions League match against the reigning German champions, Bayer Leverkusen.
The defeat snapped Atlético's impressive winning streak of 15 consecutive matches across all competitions, raising alarms about their ability to maintain their top position in La Liga. Heading to the match against Leganés, they led the standings with 44 points, just one point clear of their closest rival, Real Madrid, who has been breathing down their neck for weeks.
Matija Nastasic, the former Schalke defender, emerged as the hero for Leganés, scoring the lone goal of the match shortly after the second half began. His header from a corner kick was the decisive moment, catching Atlético off guard and leaving them with little time to recover. This victory for Leganés, who currently sit 15th on the table with 22 points, was undoubtedly their crowning achievement this season.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid tried to salvage the game, with their star forward Antoine Griezmann getting the chance to equalize. Unfortunately for the team and their loyal fans, Griezmann's 90th-minute penalty kick veered wide of the goal, sealing Atlético's fate. His missed opportunity was not just heartbreaking, but it raised questions about the team's morale and performance under pressure.
Prior to this defeat, Atlético Madrid had been on cloud nine, with fans and analysts alike praising their exceptional run of form. The victory streak had positioned them as favorites for the La Liga title, but this unfortunate result has cast doubt over their dominance and raised the stakes for their upcoming matches.
Compounding the situation for Atlético is the fact they must now watch closely as Real Madrid, sitting just one point behind them, takes on UD Las Palmas. Depending on the outcome, Atlético could find themselves dethroned from the top of the table, especially if Madrid capitalizes on their own form.
On the same day Atlético faced Leganés, FC Barcelona stumbled as well, drawing 1-1 with Getafe. Barcelona's defeat of form has been palpable, marking their fourth consecutive match without victory, leaving them positioned third on the table with 39 points. The tension at the top of La Liga is palpable, as each team grapples with maintaining consistency and performance as they progress through the season.
This loss also poses significant concerns moving forward. Atlético Madrid’s manager Diego Simeone will need to address how to reinstate his team’s confidence before facing Bayer Leverkusen. The Champions League clash could greatly influence their Champions League prospects and overall season momentum.
Real Madrid will look to exploit any signs of weakness and is locked and loaded to capitalize on their match against Las Palmas. The fate of the La Liga title race hangs precariously as both competitors strive to claim the top spot, making every fixture count.
Fans of Atlético Madrid will be anxiously awaiting the team's reaction following this disappointing experience. Will they bounce back, focused and determined to defend their title? Or will this setback be indicative of more troubles to come? The answers will start to unravel soon enough as the season progresses.