Atlético Madrid’s hunt for a first LaLiga win of the season continues after being held to a 1-1 draw by Elche at the Wanda Metropolitano, Softfootball reports.
Diego Simeone’s men started brightly and needed less than 10 minutes to break the deadlock. A clever ball over the top from Dávid Hancko found Alexander Sørloth, who timed his run to perfection before smashing home past Matías Dituro. The Norwegian looked sharp and hungry for more, forcing another fine save soon after, but Atlético’s failure to kill the game would come back to haunt them.
Elche slowly grew in confidence and struck back in clinical fashion. A quick counter saw Germán Valera spray a brilliant cross-field pass to Álvaro Rodríguez, who squared for Rafa Mir to finish coolly beyond Jan Oblak, the goal stunned the home crowd and left Simeone urging his players to find another gear.
The Rojiblancos did create chances, with Marcos Llorente blasting wide late on and Giuliano Simeone seeing a powerful strike blocked, but Elche defended with discipline and refused to be broken down. Antoine Griezmann tried his luck from distance, but the visitors’ organisation meant most Atlético attacks fizzled out on the flanks.
For Elche, this was more than just a point. It was their first away draw at Atlético since 1968, and they’ll see it as a huge confidence booster in their survival fight. Rafa Mir now has two goals in as many away games, and his growing influence will be key if Elche are to avoid another relegation scrap.
Elche savored this historic moment , with the the club posting post match reactions of the players and their fans via their official X page
Watch below:
Atlético, on the other hand, leave the Metropolitano frustrated. Simeone’s boys have now taken just one point from their opening two games after losing to Espanyol on a dramatic fashion in game week one, raising questions about consistency early on in the season. With tougher fixtures ahead, Los Colchoneros know they need sharper finishing and more clutch genes if they are to mount a serious title challenge.
