Las Palmas Deliver a Stunning Blow in the Final Seconds
Tension hung thick over the Estadio Gran Canaria as the clock ticked deep into stoppage time. Atlético Madrid were scrambling, searching for that one break to keep their very slim La Liga dreams alive. But in an unexpected twist, it was Las Palmas who wrote the night’s most dramatic story. Javi Muñoz, alert and composed in a crowded penalty area, pounced on loose defending in the 93rd minute, striking what proved the only goal of the match. The linesman’s flag shot up, but his heart didn't sink; Muñoz knew he was onside. The VAR check confirmed it. One stadium erupted, another collective faceless groan for Atlético fans around the world.
For Las Palmas, every point matters. This victory dragged them up to 17th place, barely scraping above the relegation danger with 32 points—a lifeline in their tense battle for survival. They now hover just two points above Alavés, their fate still far from clear but spirits newly energized. Javi Muñoz didn’t mince words after the final whistle: ‘I was certain that I wasn’t offside. We’re going to fight until the end.’ That resilience isn’t just talk—it’s what kept them running until literally the last moment.
Atlético Madrid’s Title Dreams All But Gone
If anyone needed a reminder of just how quickly things can unravel, Atlético served up a perfect example. Coming into this match, they were already chasing Barcelona with more hope than conviction, trailing the leaders by a daunting 10 points. But now, those hopes look completely dashed. Despite a few flashes of intent—most notably from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth—Atlético Madrid couldn’t find a way past Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horka, who was having none of their advances. Every key chance was either off target, blocked, or snuffed out by brave defending.
Jan Oblak, so often Atlético’s last line of defense, saw cracks appear in front of him. The defense, usually Diego Simeone’s pride and joy, looked uncertain and easily rattled under Las Palmas’ late pressure. Koke didn’t sugarcoat it after the match: ‘We had a couple of chances in the first half that their goalkeeper saved. La Liga is almost impossible, but we have to keep going.’
For Simeone, it’s been a season filled with frustration and what-ifs. Each time an opening appeared in the title race, his team stumbled when it mattered most. Now, with Barcelona firmly ahead and matches fast running out, even talk of a miracle comeback feels hollow.
Las Palmas, on the other hand, turn their attention to a crucial run-in. If this late winner was any sign, their fight for survival won’t lack for drama. Atlético, meanwhile, have no choice but to regroup quickly—and maybe start thinking about next season instead of chasing shadows in this one.
