Atlético Madrid played at home again. This time in La Liga. Although I hadn’t planned to go at first, on the morning of the match I checked the price of the tickets that were still available. Since the price was comparable to what you pay for a ticket to the Belgian Pro League, I quickly changed my mind and suddenly it became an unexpected Match Day for me. The match started at 2 p.m. The opponents that day? Valencia CF, a team I had seen play twice before. First against Real Madrid, where they lost 4-0, then against Rayo Vallecano, which ended in a draw. The coastal team had not impressed me so far. This season is not going well for the club either, both in terms of sport and financially. This is also reflected in the standings, where they are at the bottom and will have to worry about not being relegated this year.
Anyway, enough about the away team. I quickly jumped on the subway. Thanks to the excellent Madrid subway connection, it’s a short trip from where I live to the beautiful Metropolitano. Just take line 4 at Serrano, change to line 7 at the Avenida de América subway station, and you’ll soon find yourself in great football atmosphere. I attended the match with a fellow student, which is always nice to do with a great expert. After a quick bite to eat before the game at the stadium, we were in our seats just in time. Right at the top of the stadium, but for the price I paid for the ticket, you certainly can’t complain. Incidentally, because it was Atlético’s last home match in 2025, all supporters were treated to a red Christmas hat. The whole stadium was transformed into a real Christmas atmosphere because everyone was wearing their hats, even though it was still about two weeks until Christmas.
The match had just started when Valencia had a huge chance. After just a few seconds, striker Hugo Duro received the ball from Simeone, the coach’s son, but lobbed it onto the crossbar. Valencia should have done more here, as the team has been struggling to score all season. It was a serious wake-up call for the home team. Moments later, the hosts took the lead when club icon Koke found the back of the net. After a corner, he got the rebound at his feet, and the captain didn’t hesitate, firing the ball perfectly into the corner. It was an early lead for the team that has yet to lose a home game this season. Apart from a Valencia goal that was rightly disallowed by VAR for offside, not much happened in the first half. Let’s hope for a better second half.
Valencia had something to prove, and that quickly became clear. Carlos Coberán’s troops came out of the dressing room highly motivated. With a few substitutions, they created some danger, which resulted in the equalizer. Argentinian striker Lucas Beltrán struck with a long-range shot that nestled perfectly in the left corner. Even for a world-class goalkeeper like Oblak, it was unstoppable. In the 63rd minute, it was 1-1. Nevertheless, it didn’t stay that way for long. After 10 minutes, Atlético was back in front. With a long ball from Pubil, Griezmann was reached in the box. The French world champion took the ball well and finished perfectly. The stadium came alive. Despite Atlético not playing too well, they took the lead again. It became clear once again that even though he is no longer a regular starter, Griezmann can still be incredibly valuable to the Madrid club. Moments later, it looked like it would be 3-1 through Sorloth, but his goal was disallowed. You can guess why. Indeed, the Norwegian striker was offside. Than a compatriot of mine came on for the away team. I saw Largie Ramazani in action for the first time. He came on as a substitute for Valencia, but didn’t get enough playing time to really show what he can do. Watching Belgians at work is something I always look forward to. Personally, I find it a real pity that Axel Witsel no longer plays for Atlético. He now represents Girona FC, and I hope to have the pleasure of seeing him play here in Spain again soon.
So the match finished at 2-1.The home team managed to see out the match and keep the three points at home. Valencia had to return home empty-handed. What will stay with me is that it wasn’t the most beautiful football, but it was very efficient. The way Atlético Madrid is known for. The supporters were happy to see their team win in front of their home crowd for the last time in 2025. This concludes the first half of the season, with not a single home game lost for them. In fact, except against Elche, they managed to win them all. Another great experience, and I’m already looking forward to returning to the Metropolitano Stadium next year.
