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Atlético Madrid‘s impressive 15-game winning streak came to an unexpected end on Saturday evening, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to local rivals Leganés in La Liga. This loss could potentially cost them their league-leaders status, depending on the outcome of Real Madrid’s match against Las Palmas on Sunday.
Despite dominating the game with over 60% possession, 22 goal attempts, and three strikes off the woodwork, Atlético Madrid paid the price for squandering numerous chances and Antoine Griezmann’s missed penalty kick in added time sealed their fate.
The decisive goal came in the 50th minute, when Matija Nastasić scored a towering header from Dani Raba’s corner kick, beating goalkeeper Jan Oblak. This victory marked Leganés’ first-ever top-flight win over Atlético Madrid.
Leganés started strong, with Juan Cruz’s early shot narrowly missing the target in the opening minute. Atlético Madrid gradually gained momentum, but the woodwork foiled their attempts, with Julian Álvarez, Antoine Griezmann, and Conor Gallagher all striking the frame of Marko Dmitrović’s goal.
In the second half, Leganés took the lead through Nastasić’s header. Atlético Madrid’s manager, Diego Simeone, responded by introducing Koke and Marcos Llorente from the bench after just 10 minutes, but Leganés held firm.
Leganés nearly doubled their advantage through Cruz, who fired over the bar after neatly working himself into a promising position in the Atlético Madrid box. The visitors were awarded a penalty in the closing stages after a VAR review revealed Sergio González had handled the ball in the box.
However, Griezmann’s spot-kick sailed harmlessly wide, sparking joy among the Leganés fans at Butarque. This victory moves Leganés five points clear of the relegation zone, while Atlético Madrid risks dropping to second place in LaLiga, depending on Real Madrid’s result against Las Palmas.
Atlético Madrid still top the standings on 44 points, one ahead of second-placed Real Madrid and six clear of Barcelona in third, both with a game in hand. However, this loss could prove costly in the title race.
