The League
2:15 p.mMay 2, 2026
Regular season – 34
Mestalla Stadium
Referee: José Luis Munuera Montero, Spain
Valencia
Atlético de Madrid
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.11
Expected Goals (xG)
1.78
Passing by
392 (83%)
Accurate passes
353 (83%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
He stole Dimitrievski
6.9
14
d
José Luis Gayà (C)
7.5
18
d
ashes
6.6
d
César Tàrrega
67′ Holding
20
d
Renzo Saravia
6.2
23
M
Filip Ugrinić
6.9
2
M
Guido Rodríguez
7.2
8
M
Javier Guerra
6.9
11
M
Luis Rioja
6.7
6
F
Umar Sadiq
6.2
17
F
Ramadan holidays
6.5
1
G
Juan Musso (C)
6.6
34
d
Julio Diaz
6.9
15
d
Clement Lenglet
7.3
24
d
Robin Le Normand
7.2
32
d
Javier Bonar
6.9
M
Thiago Almada
29′ StumbledM
Obed Vargas
61′ Stumbled
74′
47
M
Javi Morcillo
6.6
M
Rodrigo Mendoza
52′ elbows
16
M
Nahuel Molina
7.3
29
F
Rayane Belaid
6.0
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 cruised to an emphatic 2-0 win at the Mestalla, with goals from Iker Luque and Miguel Cubo in the final twenty minutes, sealing three crucial points in the title race.
Valencia host Atlético de Madrid on May 2 in a La Liga clash with big implications for both sides. The hosts took 12th position with 39 points from 33 games, while Atlético came fourth with 60 points and a strong recent record. Valencia’s form showed promise with a recent win, but they face a tough test against Diego Simeone’s side.
The first half was a closely contested match at the Mestalla Stadium. Valencia controlled possession at 53 percent, but struggled to create clear-cut chances. The home team managed 12 shots in total, but scored just zero on target in the first forty-five minutes. Atlético have proven to be more efficient in attack, generating five shots on goal despite having less possession.
Clashes were frequent during the first period. Tomas Almada received a yellow card in the 29th minute for Atlético, setting the physical tone. The Valencian defense remained firm, but the visiting vanguard was evident. Neither team broke through before the interval and it left the game delicately balanced at 0-0.
The second half began with renewed intensity from both sides. Rodrigo Mendoza received a yellow card in the 52nd minute for Valencia as the fouls continued to mount. Obed Vargas joined the list after being booked in the 61st minute, while Valencia’s Carlos Tarrega received a yellow card in the 67th minute. The game was goalless in the last quarter.
Atlético scored decisively in the 74th minute. Iker Luque found the back of the net to give the visitors a crucial advantage. The goal raised the concern of Valencia, who had failed to trouble Atlético’s goalkeeper throughout the match. Just eight minutes later, Miguel Cubo secured victory with a second goal in the 82nd minute.
The statistics painted a clear picture of Atlético’s dominance in key areas. The visitors scored an expected goals total of 1.78 compared to Valencia’s 1.11, reflecting their superior chance creation. Atlético managed a total of 20 shots with five on target, while Valencia’s 12 resulted in zero on target. Possession was split 53-47 in favor of Valencia, but Atlético’s efficiency was decisive.
Atlético de Madrid’s defensive organization frustrated Valencia at all times. The visitors completed 353 accurate passes from 424 attempts, maintaining a passing accuracy of 83 percent. Valencia matched that accuracy with 392 accurate passes out of a total of 470, but lacked the cutting edge to convert their possession into goals.
The defeat leaves Valencia looking for consistency in their attempt to climb the table. Atletico Madrid’s win strengthens their position in fourth place, bringing them closer to the title contenders above. The result underlines Atlético’s quality in tight contests and their ability to strike when opportunities present themselves.
Valencia will look to bounce back in their next game, hoping to rediscover the form that brought them a recent victory. Atlético de Madrid, meanwhile, continue their push towards the top with another three crucial points secured on the road.
