On November 8, 2025, Atlético de Madrid hosted Levante UD at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid for Matchday 12 of La Liga. The home team won 3-1 in a match marked by initial dominance, a brief attempt at a comeback by Levante, and a decisive response from Atlético in the second half.
Atlético controlled possession between 74% and 76%, surpassed Levante in shots on target 9-2 (with 15 total attempts compared to 4), and earned 12 corner kicks compared to Levante’s 2. The match saw one yellow card for each team (Marcos Llorente of Atlético and an unidentified Levante player) and a decisive VAR decision in the final minutes.
Key moments:
12′ Goal (1-0 Atlético): Own goal by defender Dela after an Atlético attack, extending the home side’s streak of scoring in the first 15 minutes (8 goals this season, the best mark in the league).
Minutes 45-60 (Goal for Levante, 1-1): Levante equalized with a precise counter-attack, taking advantage of defensive errors. It was the first goal Atlético had conceded in four La Liga matches.
Minute 61 (Goal for Atlético, 2-1): Antoine Griezmann restored Atlético’s lead with a precise finish after a pass from Marcos Llorente, demonstrating the team’s width and penetration in midfield.
Minute 80 (Goal for Atlético, 3-1): Griezmann scored again shortly after coming on as a substitute, sealing the victory with an impeccable finish.
VAR Disallowed: A potential 3-2 Levante goal, scored by Carlos Álvarez, was ruled out for offside against Matías Moreno, who obstructed goalkeeper Jan Oblak despite attempting to play the ball. Post-match analysis confirmed the decision.
Griezmann (2 goals) was the star of the match, earning Man of the Match honors, while Julián Álvarez and Llorente made significant contributions in attack. Atlético showed vulnerabilities in defense, particularly at left-back, and reinforcements have been requested during the transfer window.
Regarding Atlético de Madrid: The victory extends their unbeaten run in La Liga to nine matches (six wins, three draws) and marks their fourth consecutive win in all competitions, including a 3-1 Champions League victory against Union Berlin. It reinforces their status as the most consistent attacking team at home (scoring in 24 consecutive league matches at the Metropolitano) and their threat from the start of matches (11 goals in the first half, surpassed only by Real Madrid and Barcelona).
However, the goal conceded highlighted persistent defensive inconsistencies despite having internationals like José María Giménez and Clément Lenglet, sparking debate among fans and pundits about the depth at full-back (for example, the preference for Marc Pubill over Nahuel).
Regarding Levante UD: Newly promoted and sitting in 16th-17th place with just 9 points from 12 matches (2 wins), the defeat underscores their struggles away from home and against teams in the playoff zone.
Their equalizing goal demonstrated resilience and danger on the counter-attack, but the late VAR decision and inability to maintain pressure highlighted the squad’s limitations, including injuries to key players like Iván Romero and Pablo Martínez, as well as Unai Vencedor’s suspension. On the positive side, young talents like Matías Moreno gained experience, but this further complicates their fight against relegation.
Broader La Liga context: Atlético Madrid climb to 4th place with 25 points, closing the gap on the leaders (likely Real Madrid or Barcelona, depending on their performance) and moving within striking distance of the Champions League places. Levante remains mired in the bottom of the table, increasing the pressure on their coach, Javi Calleja, to pick up points to avoid relegation.
Changes in the standings: Atlético’s points consolidate their fight for Champions League places, boosting morale ahead of a tight schedule (next match: a possible Champions League game against Arsenal or Liverpool).
For Levante, it’s a missed opportunity to overtake mid-table teams like Getafe or Elche, increasing relegation anxiety: they are now 8 points from safety with only 9 points in 12 matches.
Tactical and player implications: Griezmann’s brace (his third and fourth goals of the season) strengthens his Ballon d’Or candidacy and relieves pressure on Álvarez (the league’s top scorer with 9 goals).
Simeone’s post-match protest — “You don’t take the ball away from Vinícius” — provoked laughter and criticism for focusing on the opponents during a routine victory, but it highlighted the leniency of referee Jesús Gil Manzano (only two yellow cards in total).
Tactically, Simeone’s hyper-aggressive start paid off, but defensive fragility (their first goal conceded in over 360 minutes) could prompt adjustments in January, especially with Robin Le Normand out for the rest of the year.
Fan and press reactions: Atlético fans celebrated the grit of “Cholismo” in X, with posts praising Griezmann’s impact but questioning the solidity of the left-back.
Battle banter erupted between rivals after Simeone’s tirade against Vinícius, with Real Madrid fans calling it “obsessive” even in a non-derby match. Levante supporters lamented the VAR decision, considering it a “stolen point,” while neutral fans praised the spectacle.
This 3-1 victory was a demonstration of Atlético’s attacking prowess and their home-field advantage under Diego Simeone, extending their scoring streak and strengthening their Champions League aspirations, while also exposing familiar defensive frailties that could prove costly in more important matches.
For Levante, it’s another tough lesson in their rise to La Liga: their resurgence is commendable, but their poor execution widens the gap to safety.
Overall, the result tips the scales in Atlético’s favor in their title race, but Simeone must address the defensive issues to maintain their momentum. An intense match, with VAR intervention as a backdrop, encapsulated the drama of La Liga: dominance interrupted, but ultimately reasserted.
