Atletico Madrid ended Valencia’s three-game winning streak at home with a dominant 3-0 victory in La Liga’s early evening clash. The win not only sent Atletico to the top of the table temporarily but also deepened Valencia’s relegation concerns, raising the possibility of their first demotion since 1986.
The visitors struck early, with Julian Alvarez capitalizing on a rebound just 12 minutes into the match. Antoine Griezmann’s powerful shot hit the crossbar, but Alvarez was quick to follow up, finishing into the top corner from close range. The Argentine, known as “Spider” in his native country, then doubled Atletico’s lead on the half-hour mark, once again benefiting from Griezmann’s creative play. The Frenchman delivered a precise cross to Alvarez, who powered a header into the back post.
Alvarez could have completed a first-half hat-trick but was denied by some excellent goalkeeping from Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Valencia keeper rushed out to challenge him during a one-on-one situation, forcing Alvarez to put his shot wide. On the other hand, Valencia struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Their best chance came when Umar Sadiq headed wide from a promising position following a free-kick delivery.
After a dismal first half, Valencia showed more urgency after the break. Substitute Hugo Duro almost pulled one back immediately, his header from a Jose Gaya cross narrowly missing the target. Valencia continued to press, with another substitute, Andre Almeida, testing Atletico’s defense with a powerful first-time shot that flashed inches wide of the post after a lay-off from Sadiq.
Atletico, however, appeared content to absorb the pressure and hit Valencia on the counter. In the dying minutes, they sealed the win with a third goal. Substitute Angel Correa was released on a break and finished coolly into the bottom corner, completing a clinical performance for his side and ensuring a convincing league double over a club that once rivaled them in Spanish football.
For Atletico, the win not only delivered three crucial points but also ended a streak of disappointing away defeats to Valencia. It was their first away win over Los Che in six La Liga matches, marking a significant victory in Diego Simeone’s tenure. Despite their best efforts in the second half, Valencia remains in the relegation zone after yet another crushing defeat.
