Elche CF claimed a statement 3–2 victory over Club Atlético de Madrid on matchday 33 of the Primera Division, overcoming an early setback and capitalising on a red card to Thiago Almada.
Atlético struck first in the 10th minute when Nicolás González finished a move created by Rodrigo Mendoza, putting the visitors 1–0 up. Elche responded swiftly, drawing level in the 18th minute as David Affengruber converted after being set up by Tete Morente.
The match turned sharply just after the half-hour. In the 30th minute, Thiago Almada was sent off, leaving Atlético down to 10 men. Elche pressed the advantage and, three minutes later, earned a penalty that André Silva converted to make it 2–1 in the 33rd minute.
Remarkably, Atlético hit back immediately. González grabbed his second of the evening in the 34th minute, this time assisted by Robin Le Normand, to level the score at 2–2 and ensure a frantic first half. Bookings for Clément Lenglet and Julio Díaz followed for Atlético, while Aleix Febas and Buba saw yellow for Elche on the stroke of half-time.
Diego Simeone’s side reshuffled at the break with a double change, bringing on Nahuel Molina and Marc Pubill, and later introducing Pablo Barrios, Giuliano Simeone and Antoine Griezmann. Elche, meanwhile, adjusted through a series of substitutions, including Víctor Chust, Josán Fernández, Lucas Cepeda and Álvaro Rodríguez.
The winner arrived in the 75th minute. Affengruber turned provider, setting up André Silva, who struck his second of the match to restore Elche’s lead at 3–2. Despite Atlético’s late changes and pressure, the hosts held firm.
With this result, Elche secure an eye-catching home win against one of La Liga’s heavyweights. Detailed data on possession, shots, and other statistics were not available at the time of writing.
Full match details can be found at Ballaxy’s match centre, along with pages for Elche CF and Atlético de Madrid.
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