Atletico Madrid’s hopes of seizing the La Liga top spot were dashed on Sunday as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Getafe, dealing a significant blow to their title ambitions.
Diego Simeone’s men, second in the table, had the chance to move to the summit after Barcelona’s match was postponed on Saturday.
Atletico seemed on track for the win after Alexander Sorloth converted a penalty in the 75th minute.
However, a red card for Angel Correa and two late goals from Getafe’s Mauro Arambarri saw the hosts secure a stunning victory.
Despite the Champions League clash with Real Madrid on Wednesday, Simeone fielded a strong side. Yet Getafe’s defensive strategy stifled Atletico’s attacking efforts in a lackluster first half.
The game’s momentum shifted after Sorloth’s penalty, awarded for a handball by Omar Alderete, put Atletico in front.
But things turned sour when Correa was sent off in the 87th minute for a high challenge on Djene Dakonam.
Getafe capitalised on Atletico’s reduced numbers, with Arambarri netting twice in quick succession.
The first came from a flicked-on free kick, which Arambarri hammered home. Then, in the dying moments of stoppage time, Arambarri latched onto Diego Rico’s long-range shot, diverting it in to seal the victory and take all three points.
