When Atlético Madrid walked onto the pitch at Estadio Abanca Balaídos on October 5, 2025, most fans expected another high‑scoring finish after the club’s recent five‑goal demolitions of Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt. Instead, the visitors were left to draw with bottom‑dweller Celta Vigo, a result shaped by a first‑half own goal and a second‑half red card.
Match overview
The clash, part of LaLiga Round 8Vigo, kicked off at 19:00 UTC under a sky that quickly turned dramatic. Carl Starfelt put the hosts ahead in the sixth minute when his sliding tackle deflected a cross onto his own net, handing the visitors an accidental lead.
Key moments and turning points
For a spell, it looked like Atlético would glide to another easy win. David Hancko rattled the ball inside the box around the 30‑minute mark, only to see Ionut Radu, Celta’s keeper, dive expertly for a fingertip save.
The real shift came in the 44th minute. Clément Lenglet received his second yellow card for a late challenge on a Celta midfielder and was shown a red card by referee César Soto Grado. Atlético were forced to finish the first half and the entire second half with ten men.
With the numerical advantage, Celta pressed. In the 68th minute, a low shot from Borja Iglesias was blocked by Jan Oblak, only for the rebound to fall to veteran striker Iago Aspas. The 36‑year‑old pounced, nodding the ball home to level the score.
Player performances
Oblak was only a step slower than usual, but his reflexes kept Atlético in the game. Starfelt, despite the own goal, recovered well and helped marshal the back line. Aspas, on the other hand, reminded everyone why he’s a club legend, timing his run perfectly and showing composure under pressure.
Diego Simeone’s side also saw a flurry of fresh legs in the second half. Antoine Griezmann entered at halftime, while Alexander Sørloth replaced Álvaro Álvarez in the 78th minute, attempting to restore attacking firepower.
Implications for the LaLiga table
Before the match, Atlético sat seventh with 13 points, comfortably within the European‑qualification zone. The draw left them still on 14 points but narrowed the gap to the top six by a single point. Celta, languishing 16th with just three points, earned a precious boost, moving to four points and pulling themselves a few places off the relegation brink.
Statistically, Atlético’s goal‑scoring spree has now stalled at 23 goals in eight games, down from an average of 3.2 per game during the previous two weeks. Celta, meanwhile, have managed just two goals in the same span, underscoring their reliance on defensive solidity and set‑piece opportunities.
Looking ahead
In the post‑match press conference, Diego Simeone admitted the red card was “a painful lesson in discipline”. He promised a tighter defensive shape and hinted at possible changes to the midfield to cover Lenglet’s absence.
Celta’s coach, Rubén de la Red, praised his side’s resilience, saying the point “shows we can fight anyone when we stick together”. The club now targets a win in the next fixture against Alaves, hoping to climb out of the bottom‑three.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the draw affect Atlético Madrid’s European hopes?
The single point keeps Atlético in seventh place with 14 points, just one point behind the Europa League spots. A win in the next two matches could restore a clear cushion, but a slip‑up would drag them into a tighter race for qualification.
What are the disciplinary consequences for Clément Lenglet?
Lenglet receives a standard one‑match suspension for a second‑yellow red card. Simeone will need to adjust the central defence, potentially bringing in veteran José Giménez or promoting a youth prospect for the upcoming fixture.
Did Celta Vigo’s goalkeeper play a decisive role?
Ionut Radu made several key saves, notably denying a close range effort from Hancko. While Aspas’ goal proved decisive, Radu’s performance kept Celta in the game and boosted the squad’s confidence.
What does this result mean for Celta Vigo’s relegation battle?
Earning a point against a top‑seven side is a morale lift. It moves Celta to four points, still five behind safety, but the gap narrows and the team can now aim for a series of draws or wins to climb out of the drop zone.
Who might replace Lenglet in Atlético’s midfield?
Coach Simeone mentioned that José Giménez or the young midfielder Álex Álvaro could fill the void temporarily, while he evaluates a longer‑term solution during the upcoming winter transfer window.
