The League
5:00 p.mMay 17, 2026
Regular season – 37
Riyadh Air Metropolitan
Referee: Alexandre Muñiz Ruiz, Spain
Atlético de Madrid
Girona
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.75
Expected Goals (xG)
1.94
Passing by
359 (85%)
Accurate passes
407 (90%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
13
G
J. Cloud
8.9
3
d
M. Ruggeri
7.3
17
d
D. Hancko
7.3
d
A. The Norman
23′
18
d
M. Pubill
6.6
10
M
A. Brothers
7.2
6
M
soon
6.9
21
M
O. Vargas
7.5
20
M
G. Simeone
7.3
F
A. Griezmann (C)
21′
13
G
P. Gazzaniga
6.6
24
d
A. Moreno
6.9
12
d
Victor Reis
7.3
16
d
A. Francis
7.5
4
d
A. Martinez (C)
6.9
23
M
I. Martin
6.9
20
M
A. Witsel
6.9
3
M
J. Rock
7.6
18
M
A. Ounahi
7.9
21
M
B Gil
5.7
15
F
V. Tsygankov
6.3
The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Atlético de Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Girona at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, with Alejandro Lookman’s first strike proving decisive in a closely contested La Liga clash.
Atlético de Madrid entered the game in fourth place in La Liga with 66 points from 36 games. Girona, on the other hand, occupied 15th position with 40 points and arrived in a poor state of form, without victories in their last five matches. The hosts looked to build on recent success, while the visitors were in desperate need of points to climb away from the lower reaches of the table.
Lookman struck early to give Atlético the lead. In the 21st minute, the striker found the back of the net to give the home team the lead. Just two minutes later, defender Robin Le Normand was booked for a foul, signaling the physical nature of the game to come.
Atlético controlled possession for large stretches of the first half. The locals created chances and tested the Girona defense with their direct approach. Girona, however, remained compact and organized, limiting clear opportunities despite Atlético’s dominance in midfield.
The away side showed resilience and began to gain momentum as the first half wore on. Azzedine Ounahi appeared as a key threat for Girona, taking three shots on goal and creating multiple chances for his teammates. The visitors grew in the game and pressed higher up the pitch.
At the break, Atlético maintained their 1-0 lead. The locals had four shots on goal compared to Girona’s three. Expected goals slightly favored Girona at 1.94 to Atlético’s 1.75, indicating that the visitors had created the better chances despite the loss.
In the second half, Girona dominated possession and territory. The visitors pushed forward relentlessly, looking for an equaliser. Ounahi continued to trouble the Atlético defense with his movement and shooting. Jan Oblak was crucial in goal, making several important saves to keep the scoreline.
Atlético’s defense held firm under sustained pressure. Le Normand made seven tackles to anchor the backline. Antoine Griezmann provided crucial defensive support as he maintained the attacking threat, registering an assist and two shots on goal.
Girona created numerous chances but lacked a clinical edge in front of goal. The visitors finished with 10 shots on goal compared to Atlético’s four. Despite their pressure, they couldn’t find a way past Oblak, who put in an impressive performance with 11 saves.
Late in the game, Girona midfielder J. Morcillo was shown a yellow card in the 85th minute as frustration mounted. The visitors pushed hard in the closing stages but could not break through. Atlético’s defensive discipline remained firm to secure the three points.
Atlético have completed 85% of their passes, with a total of 423 passes compared to Girona’s 454. The locals have taken 16 shots with nine deflected, while Girona have taken 22 in total. Possession favored Girona by 52% compared to Atlético’s 48%, but the home team’s efficiency decided the game.
The victory brings Atlético closer to winning the Champions League next season. Girona’s defeat deepens their struggles in the bottom half of the table. The result underlines how a moment of quality can be decisive in close matches in La Liga.
