Driven by a streak of eleven consecutive victories, unmatched in the current European football landscape, Atlético de Madrid continues to win tough matches, even when neither Julián Álvarez nor Antoine Griezmann stand out in Diego Simeone’s system. 

Sorloth and Molina key to Atlético’s victory

While Simeone’s starting lineup appears more consolidated than ever, it was two substitutes, Sorloth and Molina, who made the difference in the 69th minute, securing a narrow but crucial win over Getafe. The visitors, organized and committed to defending the draw, had no answer when Atlético increased the pressure.

Atlético did not deliver its best performance. Far from the overwhelming and intense team seen on other occasions, they appeared imprecise and lacked a cutting edge. Neither Griezmann, Álvarez, nor Pablo Barrios found their rhythm, while Marcos Llorente offered little depth on his flank. Nevertheless, the team’s individual quality and depth proved decisive.

On the other hand, Getafe made their defensive priorities clear. They closed down spaces, dropped back effectively, and played the clock from the start. They generated little danger, apart from a header by Nyom and a couple of attempts without a finishing touch, but their aim was clear: hold the draw at the Metropolitano.

The golden goal and Simeone’s push from the sidelines

A lack of clarity led Simeone to make decisions. At halftime, he introduced Sorloth, followed by Correa and Molina minutes later. Although Atlético still struggled to create significant chances, a play down the right flank changed the game: a precise cross from Molina met an imposing header from Sorloth. The ball hit the back of the net in the 69th minute, igniting euphoria at the Metropolitano.

With this victory, Atlético de Madrid secured their eleventh consecutive win and climbed to second place in LaLiga, closing in on Barcelona and taking advantage of Real Madrid’s draw in Vallecas. What seemed unreachable a month ago is now within their grasp. The Colchoneros want more, and they’re proving it match by match.

Match Summary

1 - Atlético de Madrid: Oblak; Llorente (Molina, 55’), Giménez, Lenglet, Galán; Giuliano (Correa, 55’), De Paul, Barrios (Le Normand, 86’), Lino (Sorloth, 46’); Julián Álvarez, Griezmann (Koke, 63’).
0 - Getafe: David Soria; Nyom, Domingos Duarte, Alderete (Berrocal, 77’), Juan Iglesias; Keita (Uche, 55’), Djene, Yellu (Álex Sola, 55’), Milla, Coba (Bertug, 77’); Álvaro Rodríguez (Peter, 77’).

Goal: 1-0, 69’: Sorloth.

Referee: Soto Grado (C. Riojano). Booked: Correa (70’), Koke (92’), and physical trainer Luis Piñedo (75’).

Attendance: Matchday 17 of LaLiga, played at the Metropolitano stadium before 60,169 spectators.