When Atlético Madrid walked onto the pitch at Estadi de Son Moix on September 21, 2025, the odds were stacked against them, but no one expected the drama that would unfold.
The match ended in a 1‑1 draw, with the visitors taking the lead through Conor Gallagher in the 79th minute, only for Vedat Muriqi to level five minutes later. The game was defined by a straight red card shown to Alexander Sorloth after a VAR review in the 72nd minute, leaving the Spanish giants a man short for the crucial closing stages.
Match Overview: Early Chances and Missed Penalties
Atlético, managed by Diego Simeone, started brightly. A penalty was awarded in the 12th minute when Antonio Raíllo, Mallorca’s captain, appeared to use his arm to block a shot from Dávid Hancko. Julian Álvarez stepped up, but the Argentine’s spot‑kick was saved by Leo Román, the Mallorca goalkeeper, who dove low and got a fingertip on the ball.
The save set the tone: Atlético dominated possession but struggled to convert, while Mallorca, languishing near the bottom of the table, grew more confident with each defensive tackle.
Tactical Shifts and the Red Card Impact
Simeone’s side was forced to reshuffle after Sorloth’s dismissal. Up to that point, Atlético had been playing a 4‑3‑3, with Sorloth providing a target‑man presence. Once he was sent off, Simeone slipped to a 4‑4‑1, pulling the midfield back to protect the centre‑back duo of José María Gutiérrez and Sergio Araujo, and tasked Koke with an added defensive load.
The numerical disadvantage meant Atlético could not press as aggressively, giving Mallorca space to launch quick counter‑attacks. This tactical nuance was evident when, in the 68th minute, Jan Virgili surged forward, delivering a sweeping cross that would later prove decisive.
Player Performances: Who Stood Out?
Conor Gallagher finally broke his goal‑drought, showing his late‑run knack and finishing cleanly after a clever layoff from Koke. His goal sparked a brief celebration among the traveling supporters, but the joy was short‑lived.
Vedat Muriqi, who entered as a substitute in the 81st minute, demonstrated why he’s prized for aerial prowess. Five minutes after coming on, he rose above the defence to meet Virgili’s cross, heading the ball past the out‑stretched keeper to earn an equaliser.
On the defensive side, Joaquín Pizarro (Atlético’s right‑back) made a series of crucial tackles, while Mallorca’s centre‑back Martin Valjent kept a clean sheet, showcasing why he’s been a stalwart for the island side.
Broader Context: La Liga Race and Recent Setbacks
Going into the fixture, Atlético sat fifth with six points from four matches (one win, three draws). Their season has been patchy, with just one victory to their name, a stark contrast to their title‑contending ambitions.
Meanwhile, Mallorca lingered in 19th place, holding merely two points. The draw gave them a vital point in the fight against relegation, moving them within five points of safety with eleven games left.
The result also came on the heels of a bruising Champions League loss to Liverpool at Anfield, where Atlético fell 3‑2 in stoppage‑time. That mid‑week encounter saw Simeone receive a red card after a heated exchange with Liverpool fans, further complicating his squad’s morale and preparation.
These combined setbacks raise questions about the club’s depth. The squad, though brimming with talent, appears vulnerable when forced to play shorthanded, a concern that rivals like Real Madrid and Barcelona may exploit as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next for Both Teams?
Atlético’s next league game pits them against Girona at the Estadi Montilivi. Simeone will need to restore confidence, possibly rotating the midfield to mitigate fatigue after the Liverpool trip and the Son Moix battle.
Mallorca, on the other hand, will travel to face Valencia. A win there could catapult them out of the relegation zone, while a loss would deepen their woes.
Both managers emphasized the importance of squad rotation. In post‑match interviews, Simeone admitted, “Playing ten men taught us a harsh lesson, but we still have time to correct our course.” Mallorca’s coach, Luis García Plaza, praised his side’s resilience, noting, “Those five points are priceless in a battle for survival.”
Key Facts
- Final score: Atlético Madrid 1‑1 Mallorca
- Goals: Conor Gallagher (79'), Vedat Muriqi (85')
- Red card: Alexander Sorloth (72'), straight red after VAR review
- Attendance: Approx. 23,000 spectators
- League standing after match: Atlético 5th (6 pts), Mallorca 19th (3 pts)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the draw affect Atlético Madrid’s La Liga title hopes?
The single point keeps Atlético in fifth place with six points, but the gap to the leaders has widened. With only one win in four games, they will need to convert draws into victories quickly to remain in the title conversation.
What was the impact of Alexander Sorloth’s red card on the match?
Playing with ten men forced Atlético to abandon their usual high‑press, giving Mallorca space to counter‑attack. The numerical disadvantage contributed directly to the late equaliser, as the visitors struggled to hold onto Gallagher’s lead.
Why was Julian Álvarez’s penalty miss significant?
The early penalty represented a prime chance to seize momentum. Álvarez’s miss kept the score level, and Mallorca capitalized later, turning what could have been a 2‑0 lead into a 1‑1 draw.
What does the result mean for Mallorca’s relegation battle?
Earning a point brings Mallorca to three points and lifts them slightly out of the drop zone. With fifteen matches remaining, each point is crucial, and the morale boost from a comeback will be valuable in upcoming fixtures.
How did the recent Champions League loss to Liverpool affect Atlético’s performance?
The 3‑2 defeat, compounded by Simeone’s own red card, left the squad physically and mentally drained. The quick turnaround to the La Liga match meant limited recovery time, which likely contributed to the lack of intensity and the defensive lapses that led to the equaliser.
