On November 8, 2025, Atl\u00e9tico 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 Atl\u00e9tico in the second half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Atl\u00e9tico 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 Atl\u00e9tico and an unidentified Levante player) and a decisive VAR decision in the final minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key moments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12′ Goal (1-0 Atl\u00e9tico): Own goal by defender Dela after an Atl\u00e9tico attack, extending the home side’s streak of scoring in the first 15 minutes (8 goals this season, the best mark in the league).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 Atl\u00e9tico had conceded in four La Liga matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minute 61 (Goal for Atl\u00e9tico, 2-1): Antoine Griezmann restored Atl\u00e9tico’s lead with a precise finish after a pass from Marcos Llorente, demonstrating the team’s width and penetration in midfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minute 80 (Goal for Atl\u00e9tico, 3-1): Griezmann scored again shortly after coming on as a substitute, sealing the victory with an impeccable finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
VAR Disallowed: A potential 3-2 Levante goal, scored by Carlos \u00c1lvarez, was ruled out for offside against Mat\u00edas Moreno, who obstructed goalkeeper Jan Oblak despite attempting to play the ball. Post-match analysis confirmed the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Griezmann (2 goals) was the star of the match, earning Man of the Match honors, while Juli\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez and Llorente made significant contributions in attack. Atl\u00e9tico showed vulnerabilities in defense, particularly at left-back, and reinforcements have been requested during the transfer window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding Atl\u00e9tico 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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the goal conceded highlighted persistent defensive inconsistencies despite having internationals like Jos\u00e9 Mar\u00eda Gim\u00e9nez and Cl\u00e9ment Lenglet, sparking debate among fans and pundits about the depth at full-back (for example, the preference for Marc Pubill over Nahuel).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 Iv\u00e1n Romero and Pablo Mart\u00ednez, as well as Unai Vencedor’s suspension. On the positive side, young talents like Mat\u00edas Moreno gained experience, but this further complicates their fight against relegation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Broader La Liga context: Atl\u00e9tico Madrid climb to 4th place with 25 points, closing the gap on the leaders (likely Real Madrid or Barcelona, \u200b\u200bdepending 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Changes in the standings: Atl\u00e9tico’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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n