Elche hand Atlético Madrid fourth-straight loss


Atlético Madrid suffered their fourth successive LaLiga defeat after Andre Silva's second-half strike lifted Elche out of the relegation zone in a 3-2 victory at Estadio Martinez Valero.

David Affengruber cancelled out Nicolas Gonzalez's 10th-minute opener in the 18th minute, then was pulled down by Thiago Almada, who was sent off on the half-hour mark.

Silva fired Elche into the lead with the resulting penalty before Gonzalez issued an immediate reply in spectacular style.

The Portuguese striker netted 15 minutes from time to move Elche two points clear of danger, while Atleti trail third-placed Villarreal by four points.

Elche players celebrate after scoring a goal against Atlético Madrid in LaLiga.
Elche players celebrate after scoring a goal against Atlético Madrid in LaLiga.
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Gonzalo Villar had an early chance for Elche before Atlético hit the front.

Gonzalez broke up the pitch before picking out Rodri Mendoza, who quickly returned the ball with a neat backheel pass for his teammate to bury beyond Matías Dituro.

It was all square after Atleti goalkeeper Jan Oblak came out to meet a header but was beaten by the onrushing Affengruber, who poked the ball home.

Almada was dismissed and Silva made no mistake with the resulting spot-kick, but the lead lasted just one minute after Gonzalez set himself up with an incredible three-touch sequence, then nodded home with his fourth and the goal stood after a VAR check.

Silva sealed all three points from the rebound of an initial Oblak save after he was teed up by Affengruber's cutback.