The new LaLiga season got off to a natural start with favorites Barcelona and Real Madrid picking up two wins in their first two games against weaker opponents, confirming their favoritism in terms of results despite natural fluctuations for teams coming off the back of an intense season or a practically non-existent pre-season. Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, have already started to sound the alarm bells with just one of their possible six points.
Despite investing more than 100 million euros in reinforcements to compete with their main rivals this season, Atlético Madrid were unable to beat Elche at home in the second round of LaLiga, drawing 1-1. Simeone's side started with a very strong intensity and just eight minutes in they opened the scoring, when Hancko found Sorloth free at the back of the defense and he slotted the ball past the keeper for a fine goal.
However, Elche didn't feel the blow of conceding and responded immediately by finding the equalizer on the very next play. A set-piece in Atleti's favor led to a fatal counter-attack with Rafa Mir bursting into the box to equalize the game, making the atmosphere even more tense at the start of the season.
Diego Simeone's side showed little attacking prowess and failed to create any meaningful chances against an Elche side that remained comfortable throughout the first half.
Atlético Madrid failed to take advantage of goal-scoring chances
After the break, Atleti dominated possession more, but chances remained scarce and Elche were never troubled defensively. Gallgher even tried to surprise the goalkeeper with a shot from very far out, but the most dangerous chance came when Llorente appeared alone in the box after a pass from the Englishman, only for the Spaniard to miss the target. Finally, Griezmann found space to shoot from the edge of the box, but his shot was weak and the game ended in a draw, casting a lot of doubt on Simeone's team.