Ratings: Much-changed Atlético lose to Elche despite Nico brace

Atletico Madrid's Argentine midfielder #23 Nico Gonzalez celebrates scoring the opening goal with Atletico Madrid's Argentine midfielder #11 Thiago Almada during the Spanish league football match between Elche CF and Club Atletico Madrid at Martinez Valero Stadium in Elche on April 22, 2026. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Atlético de Madrid continue to condition the race to avoid relegation in LaLiga, as the Colchoneros on Wednesday suffered a 3-2 defeat at Elche, four days after losing out on penalties to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey. Nico Gonzalez notched a first-half brace for a side that saw 10 changes from the Copa final.

But Thiago Almada’s 30th-minute red card forced Atlético to retreat. Though the visitors kept Elche at arm’s length for a while, the hosts eventually retook the lead as Atleti’s set-piece woes were exposed once more. Elche escape the drop zone with this win, while Atleti remain fourth, eight points clear of Real Betis with six matches remaining.

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Oblak Back in the side after nearly six weeks out. Oblak reacted late on David Affengruber’s 18th-minute equalizing poke in a poorly-coordinated action from an Elche corner. He guessed wrong on André Silva’s 32nd-minute penalty.