Saturday’s action in Matchday 16 of La Liga kicked off with a clash between teams from opposite ends of the table, as Atlético Madrid welcomed Valencia CF to the Spanish capital. On paper, it looked like a mismatch. On the pitch, however, it was anything but.

Atlético struck first in the 17th minute when Koke found the net, giving the hosts an early advantage. But rather than retreat, Valencia grew in confidence, pressing higher and looking the more dangerous side for long spells. Their persistence was rewarded midway through the second half as Beltrán levelled the score, underlining the visitors’ strong performance.

With the game finely balanced, it was a familiar figure who made the difference. Antoine Griezmann, once again Atlético Madrid’s talisman, delivered the decisive moment. The French forward finished clinically after a well-timed assist from Pubill, restoring the lead and sealing a gritty 2–1 victory.

2025-26, Spain - La Liga

Atletico Madrid - Valencia 2:1 (1:0)
Goals: Koke, 17 (1:0); Beltran L., 63 (1:1); Griezmann, 74 (2:1)

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Ruggeri; Molina N. (Le Normand, 46); Hancko; Pubill; Koke; Barrios P. (Almada, 59); Gonzalez N. (Gallagher C., 59); Sørloth; Álvarez Jul. (Griezmann, 59); Simeone G-o
Substitution: Le Normand (from 46); Gallagher C. (from 59); Almada (from 59); Griezmann (from 59)
Bench: Musso; Lenglet; Galán J.; Boñar; Cardoso Joao; Martín Car.; Raspadori
Yellow Cards: Pubill 32; Sørloth 42; Almada 90

Valencia: Agirrezabala; Copete; Correia Th.; Foulquier; Vázquez Je. (Gaya, 82); Cömert (Santamaria, 72); Almeida D.A.; Pepelu (Ramazani L., 82); Ugrinic (Javi Guerra, 72); Duro; López D. (Beltran L., 55)
Substitution: Beltran L. (from 55); Santamaria (from 72); Javi Guerra (from 72); Gaya (from 82); Ramazani L. (from 82)
Bench: Dimitrievski; Iranzo; Raba; Otorbi; Danjuma
Yellow Cards: Duro 88