Key Takeaways:
- Elche exited from the relegation zone after defeating Atlético Madrid 3-2 at home
- Atlético Madrid were reduced to ten men on the half-hour after Thiago Almada’s dismissal for a professional foul
- David Affengruber scored and assisted as Elche claimed a third consecutive home victory
Match Overview
Elche bolstered their hopes of La Liga survival with a thrilling 3-2 win against a severely depleted Atlético Madrid side, as Monday’s early evening clash saw the hosts climb out of the bottom three. The visiting Rojiblancos continued their troubling run of form, suffering a seventh defeat in their last eight matches across all competitions.
𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄 𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐏𝐎 𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀́ 𝐌𝐔𝐘 𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐎.
🤍🤍🤍💚💚💚🤍🤍🤍#ElcheAtleti pic.twitter.com/aKcs230v4N
— Elche Club de Fútbol (@elchecf) April 22, 2026
First Half Drama
Atlético Madrid, eager to recover from a recent Copa del Rey final loss, made a positive start as Nicolás González seized the initiative just ten minutes in. Stealing possession deep in his own half, González drove upfield, linked up smartly with Rodri Mendoza, and finished resolutely to put the visitors ahead.
Elche had already squandered an early opening when Rafa Mir volleyed narrowly over from a Germán Valera cross. However, the hosts capitalised on their next significant opportunity in the 18th minute. After a corner was only partially cleared, Tete Morente headed the ball back into the area, allowing David Affengruber to beat Jan Oblak to the loose ball and prod it home for the equaliser.
Elche maintained the momentum, and their pressing paid dividends as Affengruber dispossessed Thiago Almada on the edge of the Atlético area. Almada then resorted to pulling Affengruber’s shirt, and was shown a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring chance. André Silva coolly dispatched the consequent penalty, sending Oblak the wrong way to give the home side a 2-1 lead.
The visitors, to their credit, responded almost immediately. Nicolás González burst through on the right and managed to nod a flick over Matías Dituro and over the line before Affengruber could intervene for his second of the evening, restoring parity.
Germán Valera nearly produced a moment of brilliance late in the first half, but after previously netting just once in eight first halves this season, Elche had certainly signalled their attacking intent before the break.
Second Half: Key Moments and Late Drama
Diego Simeone’s team thought they had taken the lead early in the second period when Álex Baena controlled a long pass and finished neatly, only to be denied by the offside flag.
Elche responded as Mir forced Oblak into a comfortable save, but neither side threatened significantly until the 60th minute. Oblak was called into action at a corner, first batting away the ball from Mir before repelling an Affengruber header. From the ensuing scramble, Affengruber squared for André Silva to slot home and secure his brace, putting Elche 3-2 in front.
Álvaro Rodríguez missed a prime opportunity to make it 4-2, slicing a clear chance wide. The hosts were forced into rearguard action as Atlético pressed for a late equaliser, with Antoine Griezmann demanding a top-class save from Dituro in the 89th minute. Nonetheless, Elche held firm for a vital win, marking their third consecutive home success.
