Atletico Madrid suffered a 3-2 defeat to Elche CF in La Liga on Wednesday, extending their poor run to seven losses in their last eight matches across all competitions.
The result comes just days after their Copa del Rey final defeat on penalties to Real Sociedad, leaving Diego Simeone’s side struggling for momentum ahead of their upcoming European fixture.
Despite sitting comfortably in fourth place, Atletico rotated heavily, resting several key players following the physically demanding cup final.
Nicolas Gonzalez gave Atletico an early lead after connecting with a clever backheel from Rodri Mendoza on the edge of the area.
However, Elche responded through David Affengruber, who bundled home the equaliser and later played a key role in the hosts’ second goal.
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Atletico’s task became more difficult when Thiago Almada was sent off in the 30th minute for pulling down Affengruber inside the box after losing possession.
Andre Silva converted the resulting penalty to put Elche ahead, sending Jan Oblak the wrong way.
The visitors responded quickly, with Gonzalez producing a remarkable effort, keeping the ball in play, lifting it over goalkeeper Matias Dituro and heading home. A VAR check confirmed the ball had crossed the line despite a desperate clearance.
Elche secured victory with 15 minutes remaining when Silva struck from close range after Oblak parried an initial header from Affengruber back into danger.
The win lifts Elche provisionally to 15th place, two points above the relegation zone, while Atletico’s struggles continue at a crucial stage of the season.