The League
5:00 p.mApril 22, 2026
Regular season – 33
Manuel Martínez Valero Stadium
Referee: Guillem Quadra Fernandez, Spain
Elx
Atlético de Madrid
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2.67
Expected Goals (xG)
1.01
Passing by
574 (88%)
Accurate passes
188 (73%)
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The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Elche pulled off a stunning upset against fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, winning 3-2 at home despite playing most of the game with ten men after an early red card.
Nicolás González gave a clinical finishing masterclass for the hosts. The Elche striker scored twice to lead his side to a remarkable victory at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero. This result is a significant boost for the struggling home side, who sit 18th in the League.
Atlético de Madrid arrived in good form, finishing fourth with 57 points from 31 games. Elche, on the other hand, occupied the relegation zone with only 32 points. The visitors dominated possession throughout and created more chances, but the home side’s efficiency proved decisive.
González struck first in the 10th minute, giving Elche the lead. The forward showed composure to finish clinically when the opportunity came. Atlético responded quickly through David Affengruber in the 18th minute, tying the game with a well-marked goal.
The game changed dramatically in the 30th minute when Tomás Almada received a red card for Elx. Playing with a numerical disadvantage looked set to spell trouble for the hosts. However, Elche’s defensive resolve would soon be tested.
Andre Silva converted a penalty for Atlético in the 33rd minute, putting the visitors ahead. Just a minute later, Gonzalez struck again to tie the score at 2-2. The striker’s second goal showed his predatory instincts in the penalty area.
Elche faced a tough battle at the start of the second half. Ten men against Atlético’s superior possession and attacking threat looked insurmountable. However, the hosts remained compact and dangerous on the counter-attack.
Atlético controlled the ball in the second period, recording 72 percent possession. The visitors created multiple chances and fired a total of 14 shots. Despite their dominance, the Madrid side could not break Elche’s stubborn defence.
Andre Silva restored Atlético’s lead in the 75th minute with his second goal. The striker’s clinical finish looked set to seal victory for the visitors. Atlético’s expected goals of 2.67 reflected their offensive superiority.
Elche’s goalkeeper made crucial saves when he needed it most. The locals recorded four saves compared to Atlético’s. Affengruber earned a 9.5 rating for his overall contribution to Atlético’s effort.
The statistics told a tale of two contrasting approaches. Atlético dominated with 649 passes with 88 percent accuracy. Elche’s 259 passes reflected their compact counter-attacking strategy.
This win lifts Elche from the bottom of the table temporarily. Atlético’s title hopes dwindled despite territorial control and shot volume. The result shows that possession and expected goals do not always guarantee points in football.
