Atlético Madrid 2-1 Valencia: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Bwin’s post-match review of Atlético Madrid 2-1 Valencia in the La Liga on Saturday, 13 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Atlético Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Valencia at home. The hosts took an early lead when Koke scored in the 17th minute, capitalising on a well-worked move to give Atlético the advantage. Valencia pushed back in the second half, equalising through Lucas Beltrán in the 63rd minute, but Atlético regained the lead with Antoine Griezmann’s goal in the 74th minute, assisted by Marc Pubill, which proved decisive. This win builds on Atlético’s recent form, which includes victories over Real Oviedo and Getafe, helping them recover from back-to-back league losses to Athletic Club and FC Barcelona.

Valencia, despite controlling more of the ball, could not convert their chances into a comeback, with the match seeing several yellow cards and substitutions that shifted momentum. Atlético’s triple change around the 59th minute, bringing on Conor Gallagher, Thiago Almada and Antoine Griezmann, injected fresh energy and led to the winning goal. For Valencia, their recent draws against Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis showed resilience, but this loss extends a winless run in the league, highlighting their struggles away from home.

Valencia edged possession with 54% compared to Atlético’s 46%, suggesting they dictated much of the play, yet Atlético made more of their opportunities on the counter. The visitors also led in corners at 7-5 and successful dribbles with 63 against 42, indicating greater attacking intent and ability to beat defenders, though this did not translate into a higher scoreline. Atlético picked up three yellow cards while Valencia had one, reflecting a more disciplined approach from the away side, and both teams recorded one assist each, underlining the tight nature of the goals.

Substitutions played a role in the game’s flow, with Atlético using four changes – including Robin Le Normand replacing Nahuel Molina at half-time, and a triple switch at 59 minutes where Conor Gallagher came on for Nico González, Thiago Almada for Pablo Barrios, and Antoine Griezmann for Julián Alvarez. Valencia utilised all five, starting with Lucas Beltrán replacing Diego López at 55 minutes, followed by Baptiste Santamaria for Eray Cömert at 71, Javi Guerra for Filip Ugrinic at 72, and a double change at 82 where José Gayà replaced Jesús Vázquez and Largie Ramazani came on for Pepelu. No red cards or penalties were noted, keeping the focus on open play.

The match turned on key goals, starting with Koke’s opener for Atlético in the 17th minute, which set an early tone. Valencia levelled through Lucas Beltrán in the 63rd minute, assisted by André Almeida, briefly shifting momentum after their substitution of Beltrán for Diego López at 55 minutes. Atlético responded effectively with their own changes at 59 minutes, leading to Antoine Griezmann’s winner in the 74th minute, assisted by Marc Pubill, securing the points.

Disciplinary actions added tension, with yellow cards for Atlético’s Marc Pubill at 32 minutes and Alexander Sørloth at 42, plus later bookings for Thiago Almada and manager Diego Simeone in stoppage time. Valencia saw a yellow for Hugo Duro at 88 minutes, while VAR checks – including one for Pepelu at 37 minutes and another for Alexander Sørloth at 78 – did not alter the score but interrupted the flow. These incidents, combined with the substitutions, highlighted how tactical adjustments influenced the outcome.

Atlético Madrid lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Koke anchoring the midfield and providing leadership, as seen in his early goal. Partnerships like Marc Pubill’s assist for Antoine Griezmann underlined their attacking threat from the flanks, while substitutions such as Robin Le Normand coming on for Nahuel Molina at half-time bolstered the defence. Players like Pablo Barrios and Julián Alvarez contributed before making way in the 59th minute for Thiago Almada and Antoine Griezmann, adding dynamism.

Valencia deployed a 3-5-2 shape, relying on midfield control through players like Pepelu and André Almeida, with the latter assisting Lucas Beltrán’s equaliser. Wing-backs such as Jesús Vázquez supported attacks before José Gayà replaced him at 82 minutes, while forwards Hugo Duro and Diego López pressed high until substitutions brought fresh legs. Eray Cömert and Filip Ugrinic featured in the backline and midfield before being replaced by Baptiste Santamaria and Javi Guerra around the 70-minute mark.

Koke is Bwin’s Man of the Match after a standout performance that included scoring one goal, though he recorded zero assists, big chances created or key passes. His early strike in the 17th minute gave Atlético the platform to build on, and his presence in midfield helped maintain composure against Valencia’s possession dominance. This display underlines his importance to the team, even without creating direct opportunities for others.

Recent La Liga matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Valencia (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Athletic Club (A)
• Loss: 1-3 vs FC Barcelona (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Real Oviedo (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Getafe (A)

Recent La Liga matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Atlético Madrid (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Sevilla (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Rayo Vallecano (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Levante (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Real Betis (H)

Atlético Madrid have just secured a 2-1 win over Valencia, moving them to fourth place on 34 points and keeping them in the hunt for top spots. Their recent form shows a mix of results, with this victory following losses to Athletic Club and FC Barcelona, but backed by wins against Real Oviedo and Getafe. Next up, they face Atlético Baleares on 17 December 2025 at 18:00, a match that offers a chance to build momentum, though the opposition’s position and points are yet to be confirmed.

Valencia have just suffered a 2-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid, leaving them in 17th place on 15 points and still hovering near the relegation zone. Their recent league form has been patchy, with this loss coming after draws against Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis, plus a win over Levante. They next play Sporting Gijón on 16 December 2025 at 20:00, a fixture that could be crucial for gaining ground, although the opposition’s current standing and points remain to be confirmed.

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