Atlético Madrid stumbles against Getafe and suffers costly points loss in the title race

Atlético Madrid stepped onto the pitch at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez knowing that victory would momentarily lift them above Barcelona to the top of La Liga.

With the Catalan club not in action on Saturday night following the passing of their team doctor, the door was open for Diego Simeone’s side to claim first place, at least temporarily. Given their strong record against Getafe, confidence was high within the Atlético camp, as Simeone had never lost to the Madrid-based club. However, what initially seemed like a routine opportunity to claim three points quickly turned into a nightmare that could have serious repercussions for their title ambitions.

From the opening minutes, it became apparent that this would not be an easy outing for Atlético. Getafe, sitting 14th in La Liga and looking to distance themselves from the relegation battle, approached the game with a defensive setup, aiming to frustrate their opponents. The first half was a largely uneventful affair, with neither team able to create clear-cut chances. Getafe had a few speculative attempts from distance, but they failed to trouble Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak. On the other end, Atlético struggled to break through Getafe’s disciplined backline, with their attacks lacking fluidity and penetration.

Despite the importance of the match, Atlético’s biggest stars failed to impose themselves on the game. Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann, usually key figures in Simeone’s attacking plans, were both subbed off early. It was a decision that raised eyebrows, but with a crucial Champions League showdown against Real Madrid looming, Simeone opted to preserve their energy. Atlético entered that match trailing 2-1 from the first leg, and with their season potentially hinging on their European campaign, Simeone had one eye on Wednesday’s return leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.

For much of the game, it seemed as though Atlético was heading toward another frustrating draw. They controlled possession but lacked creativity in the final third. However, with just twenty minutes left on the clock, they were given a golden opportunity to take the lead. A handball inside the box by Getafe defender Diego Rico resulted in a penalty for Atlético. Alexander Sørloth, brought on as a substitute, stepped up and calmly converted from the spot. His goal finally broke the deadlock in what had been a sluggish contest. The Norwegian striker has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable super-subs this season, with this being his seventh goal off the bench in the campaign.

With the lead secured and time running out, Atlético looked set to grind out a narrow victory and claim the top spot in La Liga, if only for a short while. However, their evening took a dramatic turn for the worse in the closing moments. Ángel Correa, one of Atlético’s most experienced players, was shown a straight red card following an altercation near the midfield line. With just minutes left to play and now down to ten men, Atlético suddenly found themselves in an unexpected crisis.

Getafe wasted no time in taking advantage of the situation. With their numerical superiority, they pushed forward aggressively, sensing Atlético’s vulnerability. In the 89th minute, Mauro Arambarri struck a stunning equalizer, beating Oblak with a powerful shot from the edge of the area. The home fans erupted in celebration, sensing a famous comeback on the cards. Atlético, who had looked comfortable just moments before, now found themselves desperately holding on.

As stoppage time ticked away, Getafe delivered the final blow. In the dying moments of the match, Arambarri struck again, completing a dramatic turnaround with a clinical finish. The stadium erupted as Getafe snatched an improbable victory, condemning Atlético to a bitterly disappointing defeat. Simeone, who had never previously lost to Getafe, could only watch in frustration as his side let slip a golden opportunity to claim top spot.

This defeat could have serious consequences for Atlético Madrid’s title ambitions. Instead of overtaking Barcelona, they now remain behind their rivals in the standings, having played one match more. Meanwhile, Barcelona, who still have a game in hand, retain their position at the summit of La Liga, adding further frustration for Atlético fans.

The timing of the loss could not be worse for Simeone’s men. With just days to go before their decisive Champions League clash against Real Madrid, they now have to recover both physically and mentally from this collapse. The Madrid derby in Europe was already a high-stakes affair, with Atlético needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg. Now, with confidence shaken and Correa suspended, the challenge becomes even steeper.

Elsewhere in La Liga, Real Madrid now has an opportunity to take advantage of Atlético’s slip-up. Later on Sunday, Los Blancos will face Rayo Vallecano in a crucial match (16:15 CET). A victory would see them climb above Atlético into second place, further intensifying the pressure on Simeone’s side.

For Getafe, this victory represents one of their most memorable moments of the season. A side that has struggled for consistency throughout the campaign showed immense character to fight back and claim three points against one of Spain’s elite clubs. The win not only boosts their position in the lower half of the table but also serves as a reminder that La Liga’s underdogs can still cause major upsets.

As Atlético Madrid licks its wounds, their focus must now shift to the Champions League. If they are to salvage their season, they must produce a heroic performance against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Anything less than victory could see their European dreams dashed and their confidence further dented. The coming days could define the remainder of their campaign.