Atletico Madrid Still Winless After Frustrating Home Draw Against Elche

Simeone’s men drop more points from winning position as pressure mounts early in the season

Atletico Madrid were once again held to a disappointing result in La Liga as they drew 1-1 with newly-promoted Elche on Saturday in their first home game of the season—leaving Diego Simeone’s side without a win after two matches.

Just like in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Espanyol, Atletico took the lead early on but failed to see out the result.

In the 8th minute, Alexander Sørloth opened the scoring by racing onto a well-weighted through ball from David Hancko and calmly slotting past the advancing goalkeeper.

But Atletico’s advantage was short-lived. Rafa Mir equalized for Elche just seven minutes later with a crisp right-footed finish at the end of a lightning-quick counter-attack, leaving the home fans at the Metropolitano stunned.

Chances Missed as Atletico Search for First Win

Atletico continued to push for a winner, with Giuliano Simeone nearly restoring their lead before halftime, only to see his driven shot glance off the post. The effort, however, would not have counted due to an offside flag against Sørloth in the buildup.

In the second half, Diego Simeone brought on reinforcements from the bench in search of all three points. Antoine Griezmann tested Matias Dituro from distance, but the Elche keeper was equal to it.

Conor Gallagher had a golden opportunity in the 79th minute after intercepting a poor clearance from Dituro near the halfway line. But with the goal gaping, his long-range half-volley skipped wide.

Moments later, Marcos Llorente came close with a first-time effort that drifted inches past the far post—though he may have been marginally offside before receiving the ball.

As the pressure mounted, Atletico kept pushing. A dangerous cross narrowly missed two attackers at the near post before being recycled to Griezmann, who again could only direct his shot into the goalkeeper’s arms.

Frustration boiled over in stoppage time when Diego Simeone was shown a yellow card for his animated protest after a penalty appeal was waved away by the referee.

Simeone’s Early-Season Frustration Continues

Atletico now have just one point from two matches, a start that will raise early concerns for a side expected to challenge at the top.

Elsewhere in La Liga

Earlier in the day, Mallorca and Celta Vigo shared the points in a 1-1 draw on the Balearic island. Javi Rueda opened the scoring for the visitors, but a late equalizer from Mateu Morey earned the hosts a point.

Barcelona will conclude Saturday’s action with an away clash against Levante, as Hansi Flick’s side looks to build on their opening-day victory.