Atletico Madrid’s slim chances of lifting the LaLiga trophy this season were all but extinguished following a disheartening 1-0 defeat to relegation-battling UD Las Palmas.
The result leaves Diego Simeone’s side 10 points adrift of Barcelona, with only six league matches left on the calendar.
Earlier on Saturday, Barcelona had staged a thrilling comeback to edge Celta Vigo 4-3, piling immense pressure on Atleti to respond.
Yet, it was Las Palmas who made the first real statement in the match, with a glancing effort from Alex Suarez, his diving header from a Scott McKenna flick-on, testing Jan Oblak, albeit without result.
Dário Essugo also tried to stir the hosts into life with a long-range strike that veered off target, though the youngster might have had more space and time than he realized.
Atletico responded with a chance of their own as Giuliano Simeone whipped in a cross that bypassed defenders McKenna and Suarez.
Julian Alvarez was at the far post to connect, but Las Palmas’ keeper Dinko Horkas spread himself brilliantly to keep the score level.
Horkas was once again called into action moments later, this time reacting swiftly to deny Alexander Sorloth from close range after another accurate delivery from Simeone. The deadlock held firm as the halftime whistle blew.
Despite boasting the attacking prowess of Antoine Griezmann on the bench—a decision that raised some eyebrows with Sorloth starting in his place, Simeone made no immediate changes at the break.
Atletico began the second period with a bit more intent. Conor Gallagher nearly found a breakthrough, only to be denied as Suarez flirted with conceding a penalty for handball while making a crucial block.
As the match ticked past the hour mark, substitutions came thick and fast. Diego Simeone brought on four fresh legs, including Griezmann, in a bid to tilt the tide. Sorloth, still on the pitch, came closest again, but his commanding header missed the target.
Giuliano Simeone fired a late shot that failed to trouble Horkas, and Atleti’s attack fizzled out when it mattered most.
In stoppage time, chaos in their own box led to heartbreak, as Javi Munoz capitalized to score a dramatic winner. The goal stood after a tense VAR check for offside, setting off jubilant scenes among the home supporters.
The defeat marked a rare blemish in Atletico’s history books, it’s the first time since 1980 they’ve suffered back-to-back away league losses against Las Palmas. Meanwhile, for the now 17th-placed side, this result could prove to be a season-defining lifeline in their fight for survival.
