This match played out like a battle between speed and control. One fighter stayed grounded, firm on his feet, and delivered the right hand with measured force. The other kept distance, never exposing his guard, and let precision strikes dictate the tempo. The duel carried the tension of two teams sizing each other up, wondering if Vallecano could land a blow that would disrupt Atlético’s rhythm and close the gaps. As always, the script followed a familiar arc: when Rayo found the canvas, Atlético seized the moment to press ahead.
Irola’s squad remains a tough nut to crack. Atlético, growing steadily in the region, had reestablished itself after a period of missteps in a campaign where they once drifted away from their best form. The visitors craft their play in a way that makes their matches hard to predict, with Isi and Álvaro García flanking the spaces or the sturdy feet of their players driving the build from the back, bypassing opposing lines. The club’s bold, street-smart style has been a hallmark for years, forged in the neighborhood’s grit.
Without Koke, Simeone opted to shield the midfield with a three-man line of Kondogbia, Witsel, and De Paul. Griezmann, in his own way, and Morata provided the offensive shape, delivering the moves that Atlético has memorized. The plan was to drag the game away from their own half and test Vallecano’s structure. To probe Vallecano’s resilience, Falcao was placed in midfield as a buoy to prevent the ball from sticking long, while Atlético sought balance through patient buildup and controlled aggression.
Play continued with Anthony. A quick step from Griezmann that hinted at futsal-like elegance. A moment captured by a tweet from Movistar Plus+ showing the flair of the action.
Griezmann’s hunger
The first twenty minutes offered a glimpse of Atlético’s edge. Griezmann arrived late in the World Cup discussions with a clever interception of a Fran García pass, then threaded a ball to Morata who finished to open the scoring. Atlético’s defense regained its bite, punishing errors with the ruthless efficiency their supporters expect. The Metropolitano bore witness to a confident, attacking Atlético, while Vallecano pressed with renewed energy, trying to keep the ball in the center and force openings. The referee Iglesias Villanueva signaled the break after a balanced first half that left the match in a tense, awaited pause. Simeone appeared satisfied with how his team had controlled the pace and approach.
The second half saw Rayo coming out with greater intent. Pathé Ciss tested the air with a header that found its mark, while Vallecano’s proactive stance forced Atlético to sit deeper and invite the counter through a tighter block. The visitors pressed and looked for a chance to flip the game, testing the balance between defense and counterattack. The duel remained undecided as the tactical plans clashed and Simeone stood immovable on the touchline, even with Carrasco entering for an injured Lemar to add width and pace.
The camel spoils the match
Morata, who had looked the part in the early stages, was taken off just as the team needed a spark. Cholo trusted the pace and creativity of street-smart attackers to push against Vallecano, with Correa and Cunha given the chance to destabilize the visitors. They pressed high and tried to tilt the balance, but Vallecano answered with discipline. Iraola reinforced with Comesaña and Camello, bringing energy and fresh legs into the attack to test the defense. The match thrived on these late adjustments as both teams pushed the limits.
Camello, the young gun showcased by Rayo, looked dazzling on the ball as the action intensified. Grbic hit the woodwork and then assisted Falcao, who could not convert the chance, keeping the scoreline level. Atlético’s approach demanded suffering as part of the process, and in the closing moments, Griezmann showed the kind of quality that separates good from great. He appeared in good form, smiling and confident in his kit, a sign of the player’s enduring influence.
Rayo answered with resilience, climbing off the canvas and refusing to concede. As Vallecano pressed, Atlético found their rhythm in the center of the ring, waiting for the right moments to strike. The match drifted toward a late drama that had both sides believing they could win it. The ball moved with purpose, and defenses shook as each side sought control of the game. In the dying seconds, a VAR check for a handball after Giménez’s shot gave Vallecano a lifeline. Falcao converted from the spot to level the scores, and the final whistle confirmed a hard-earned draw.
A well-deserved result that reminded Atlético that leaving opponents alive in the ring is still part of the game.
PAGE: ATLÉTICO 1- RAYO VALLECANO 1
ATHLETIC: Grbik; Molina, Savic, Gimenez, Reinildo; Lemar (Carrasco 39′), Witsel (Correa 60′), Kondogbia, De Paul (Saul 75′); Griezmann, Morata (Cunha 60′)
RAYO: Dimitrievsky; Balliu, Abdul Mumin, Catena, Fran García; Pathé Ciss (Nteka 86′), Valentín (Camel 60′); Pozo (Comesaña 46′), Isi Palazón (Unai 86′), Álvaro García (Pablo Muñoz 79′); Falcao
RESULTS: 1-0, Morata (20′), 1-1, Falcao from penalty (91′)
JUDGE: Iglesias Villanueva. Savic, Correa and Giménez were involved in the action
STADIUM: Metropolitan Civitas.