LaLiga: Atletico Madrid Edges Rayo Vallecano 3-2
A Julian Alvarez hat-trick secured Atletico Madrid a hard-earned 3-2 win over city rivals Rayo Vallecano, whose winless run extended to four games after this agonising defeat (D2, L2).
Atletico Madrid fought back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 against Rayo Vallecano, with Julian Alvarez scoring the winning goal in the 88th minute...
Atletico Madrid secured a thrilling 3-2 win over city rivals Rayo Vallecano, thanks to Julian Alvarez's sublime hat-trick. This victory marked a hard-earned win for Diego Simeone's side, who dominated early but struggled to hold onto their lead.
Atleti took the lead just 15 minutes into the game when Alvarez fired home a brilliant left-footed volley from Marcos Llorente's cross. However, Rayo Vallecano fought back, with Pep Chavarria scoring a stunning 30-metre equalizer into the top left corner in first-half stoppage time. The visitors took the lead again in the 77th minute when Alvaro Garcia rounded Jan Oblak and tapped into an empty net.
Julian Alvarez salvaged the win for Atletico with his hat-trick, scoring twice in the final minutes. He equalized from a goalkeeper rebound in the 80th minute and then sealed the win with a spectacular 88th-minute winner from the edge of the box, finding the top right corner. This win marks Atletico Madrid's second victory this season, lifting them to eighth place in LaLiga with nine points.
Atletico's need for a second goal became even more pressing after Alvarez blazed a glorious chance over the bar. Nahuel Molina had delivered a brilliant cross, but Alvarez's effort lacked the precision needed to trouble the goalkeeper.
Rayo Vallecano seized an opportunity in first-half stoppage time, restoring parity with a stunning goal. Pep Chavarría unleashed a powerful shot from distance that flew past Jan Oblak, leaving the Atletico fans stunned just seconds before halftime.
Atletico Madrid experienced the familiar feeling of letting a lead slip as Rayo Vallecano pushed hard for a second goal. Los Franjirrojos nearly turned the game around after Jan Oblak made a crucial save to deny Isi Palazon.
The visitors took the lead in the 77th minute when Álvaro García coolly rounded Oblak and slotted home a superb finish from a tight angle. Before that, Iván Balliu had threatened to score with a stunning long-range attempt that flew narrowly past the post, serving as a warning sign.
Atletico introduced Giuliano Simeone and Nico Gonzalez in the second half, with the latter almost making an immediate impact. Nico Gonzalez headed wide from Conor Gallagher's excellent delivery, but the visitors still posed a threat.
Rayo Vallecano's lead was short-lived, as Julian Alvarez pounced on Augusto Batalla's spilled cross to equalize for Atletico. Alvarez was quick to react, slotting the ball home after the goalkeeper failed to hold onto Giuliano's cross.
Alvarez sealed the comeback with a stunning left-footed volley from distance, scoring a goal that could win any match. This impressive strike completed Atletico's turnaround and secured the win for Diego Simeone's side.
Atletico Madrid's win over Rayo Vallecano was a much-needed relief, but their performance was far from convincing. The hosts will hope this result marks a turning point, ending their frustrating run of one win in their previous six games.
FT: #AtletiRayo 3-2
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) September 24, 2025
Late drama at Riyadh Air Metropolitano, as @atletienglish snatch a well-deserved victory! 💥#LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/J8pElinjN1
Updated Standings
With this victory, Atletico Madrid climbs to eighth place in the LaLiga standings, having secured only their second win of the season. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano remains in 14th place, narrowly missing out on a glorious outcome.
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