Atlético Madrid extended their unbeaten home run in LaLiga with a commanding 3-1 victory over Levante, thanks to a game-changing brace from Antoine Griezmann off the bench. The win cements Atleti’s status as one of the league’s most formidable home sides and piles more misery on a struggling Levante, who have now lost every match this season after conceding first.
Griezmann’s Instant Impact
The match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano started with Atlético on the front foot. Pablo Barrios nearly opened the scoring early, but Levante’s goalkeeper Mat Ryan was quick to deny him. The breakthrough came soon after, albeit in scrappy fashion: Barrios’ cutback was deflected by Ryan onto Levante defender Adrián de la Fuente, who inadvertently bundled the ball into his own net.
Levante, who had barely threatened, found an equalizer against the run of play. Manu Sánchez was left unmarked at the back post and headed home a Jon Ander Olasagasti corner, giving the visitors hope with their only real chance of the first half.
Simeone’s Masterstroke: Griezmann Off the Bench
Atlético continued to dominate after the break, but it was Diego Simeone’s decision to introduce Griezmann on the hour mark that proved decisive. Within seconds, the Frenchman latched onto a low cross from Marcos Llorente and scored with his very first touch, restoring Atleti’s lead and electrifying the home crowd.
Levante nearly responded, but Jan Oblak produced a world-class save to deny Goduine Koyalipou’s header. Moments later, Griezmann was at it again—this time pouncing on a rebound after Ryan parried a shot from Julian Alvarez, sealing the win with his second goal.
VAR Drama and Final Whistle
Levante thought they had pulled one back late on when Carlos Alvarez’s strike found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Atlético comfortably saw out the remainder of the match, making it twelve league games unbeaten since their opening day defeat.
Key Takeaways
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Antoine Griezmann was named Man of the Match for his decisive brace, underlining his value as both a starter and a super-sub.
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Atlético Madrid have now scored first in every league game this season, a testament to their aggressive starts and tactical discipline.
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Levante’s struggles continue, especially when conceding first—they have lost all six such matches this campaign.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Atlético Madrid’s victory keeps them firmly in the hunt for the LaLiga title and strengthens their grip on a Champions League spot. For Levante, the defeat leaves them searching for answers as they try to halt a worrying slide down the table.
Sources
1. Griezmann comes off bench to net brace as Atleti see off Levante
2. Accurate Football Predictions and Tips for Free - Dailysports
3. Atletico Madrid-Levante - LaLiga 2025/2026 Live - WhoScored.com
4. Football Predictions | Expert Tips, Accurate Analysis & Winning ...
5. Atlético Madrid vs. Levante - Live Score - November 08, 2025
6. Atl. Madrid v Levante LIVE 08/11/2025 | Soccer - Flashscore