Leganes 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Atleti's historic winning streak ends with shock loss to hosts

Atletico Madrid's remarkable 15-game winning streak came to an abrupt end on Saturday as they were defeated 1-0 by lowly local rivals Leganes. This surprise loss could cost Atletico their LaLiga lead if Real Madrid secures a win against Las Palmas on Sunday.

Despite dominating possession with over 60% of the ball and creating several chances, including three shots hitting the woodwork, Atletico failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Antoine Griezmann missed a crucial penalty in added time, contributing to the team's frustration.

Leganes scored the match-winning goal in the 50th minute. Dani Raba’s corner found Matija Nastasic, who headed the ball past goalkeeper Jan Oblak, securing the only goal of the game.

"We didn't come in well. There was a lack of energy, not enough. We had chances but when you don't go in like you have to... the goal doesn't come either," Oblak told DAZN. "It was our own issue. It shouldn't have to happen. It's easy to talk about how awful we were, which I don't think we were either. With a bit more energy we could have turned it around. We didn't play well but we should have our head up... after 15 games, we've lost."

Atletico's loss snapped their longest-ever winning streak in all competitions, surpassing the previous record of 13 wins set during the 2011-2012 season. Their last defeat came in late October against Real Betis, but after nearly three months of unbeaten play, Atletico stumbled at 15th-placed Leganes, who are now five points clear of the relegation zone.

Giuliano Simeone and Nahuel Molina were the primary creators in the first half, testing Leganes' defense and setting up chances for Griezmann, Julian Alvarez, and Conor Gallagher, all of whom struck the woodwork. However, Leganes made a strong comeback in the second half, with Nastasic's header giving them the lead.

Diego Simeone made five substitutions to spark a change, but Atletico struggled to break down Leganes' deep defensive line, failing to threaten goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic. In added time, Atletico had the chance to equalize after VAR awarded a handball penalty against Leganes defender Sergio Gonzalez, but Griezmann's low shot was poorly executed and saved.

Atletico still leads LaLiga with 44 points, one ahead of Real Madrid and six ahead of Barcelona, though both have a game in hand.

SportsLigue