After coming up short in the waning moments of last weekend’s match against Espanyol, Saturday’s match versus Elche presented a clear opportunity for Diego Simeone to help right the Atlético Madrid ship along what is sure to be a lengthy La Liga season. Simeone, however, was unable to pick a squad capable of pulling ahead for more than a few minutes as Atletico Madrid posted a 1-1 draw at home, leaving a stadium full of fans at the Metropolitano disappointed with the one-point performance.
In the eighth minute, Atletico was building from midfield when defender David Hancko spotted a cleverly timed Alexander Sorloth run up top. Hancko spun the ball into Sorloth’s alley along the left side, and Sorloth wrapped the ball around Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro to give Atletico a 1-0 lead.
What a finish from Alexander Sorloth (29) who scores his first goal of the season to give Atletico Madrid the 1-0 lead at home against Elche ⚽️🇳🇴
Fantastic pass from David Hancko (27) to get his first assist in La Liga 🪄🇸🇰pic.twitter.com/b9JHBmcer8
— LaLigaExtra (@LaLigaExtra) August 23, 2025
Atletico’s edge, however, proved to be slight as the home squad let Elche creep back into the game just moments later. In an attempt to clear trouble, Elche hoofed the ball up field for Alvaro Rodriguez to deal with on the left wing. Rodriguez did more than just deal as he redirected the ball deftly into Spanish forward Rafa Mir’s path. Mir did the rest as he beat Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak to draw the two sides level at a goal apiece after 15 minutes.
What is Diego Simeone’s response to the Elche draw?
“The fans are right about their frustration,” Simeone said after the match. “We made a mistake on their goal, it was our error. We gave everything to win the match but couldn’t. We’re working to make the most of the players’ strengths. I have no doubt that the results will come.”
In comparison, Atlético was at least able to turn out a one-point result against Elche, which is more than the club could say one week prior. That stated, Simeone and the Atletico Madrid squad have ambitious goals once again, and the 2025-26 season will be filled with tests comparable to Elche. It will be up to Simeone to prepare his club better for the challenges that rest ahead.
READ MORE: Xabi Alonso stresses Real Madrid ability to ‘adapt’ to injuries
The next match for Atlético Madrid will come on Saturday, Aug. 30 at Alaves.
For more information on La Liga and each of its 20 first division clubs, follow @EricJRutter and @sportingnews on X for continued football coverage.
