LAS CANARIA: Javi Munoz scored a stoppage-time winner to earn relegation-threatened Las Palmas a shock 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday, dealing a major blow to the visitors slim La Liga title hopes.
Diego Simeone’s side remain third in the standings with 63 points, while Las Palmas are 17th with 32 points.
“It was a tough match, a defeat we have to put behind us and move on. But today is tough,” Atletico defender Robin Le Normand told Movistar.
“It’s clear that every point is important. Beyond fighting for the title, we wanted to play a very good match... They didn’t create much, but they’re playing for salvation, fighting for every ball. We didn’t get it right.”
Both sides had chances to break the deadlock before halftime, with Las Palmas coming close through a close-range header from Alex Suarez and a Dario Essugo effort that went just wide.
At the other end, goalkeeper Dinko Horkas produced sharp saves to deny Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth before the break.
In a slower-paced second half, Atletico dominated possession but were unable to create clear scoring chances against a disciplined defence from the hosts.
Seconds before the match ended in a goalless draw, Munoz capitalised on sloppy defending by Atletico, who failed to clear the ball, allowing the midfielder to shoot from close range and finally beat goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2025
