Some moments in football just feel bigger than a single match. That's exactly what happened at the Metropolitano, where Atlético de Madrid wasn't just playing for three points against Real Oviedo; they were chasing history. For 13 straight LaLiga games, they had done something remarkable—they always scored first. This put them on level footing with a legendary Real Madrid side from the 91-92 season, and with a win, they could claim the record all for themselves.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Atlético de Madrid made LaLiga history by scoring the first goal for the 14th consecutive match this season.
- ✓ They surpassed a 91-92 record previously held by Real Madrid, which stood at 13 games.
- ✓ Alexander Sorloth scored two goals in the first half to secure a 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo.
- ✓ The opening goal was a stunning team effort involving 20 touches and nine different players in just 26 seconds.
- ✓ The team is on a hot streak, with seven straight wins in all competitions and ten consecutive victories at home.
A Record 95 Years in the Making
Let's put this into perspective. Over 95 editions of the Spanish league, no team had ever managed to open the scoring in their first 14 matches of a season. It's a testament to incredible consistency and a mindset of starting on the front foot, every single time. The team under Diego Simeone has perfected the art of the "primer golpe," or the first strike, making it their signature move.
This streak has been the foundation of their success, even when it didn't lead to a win. Sure, there was one match where Espanyol managed to turn the game around, and four others ended in a 1-1 draw. But in eight other games, including their last six, getting that first goal was the crucial first step toward victory. It’s more than a statistic; it’s a mentality that has defined their entire campaign so far.
The Unlikely Heroes of the First Goal
When you think about a record like this, you might assume it's all down to one prolific striker. But here's the beautiful thing about this Atlético side: it's been a total team effort. The role of the "abrelatas," or the can opener, has been shared beautifully. We’ve seen Julián Alvarez do it three times, including a stunning free-kick against Dmitrovic.
Giuliano Simeone has chipped in with two crucial openers, one of which he celebrated for the birth of his nephew, Faustino. Then you have a whole list of others: Barrios, Gallagher, and even defenders from the other team putting the ball in their own net under pressure, like Starfelt and Domingos Duarte. It's a fascinating look at how everyone contributes to the cause.
What's almost comical is that Antoine Griezmann, the team's second-highest scorer with five goals, still hadn't scored the opening goal in any of these matches. It just goes to show you how unpredictable and varied their attack has been. Everyone is a threat, right from the opening whistle.
The Masterclass Against Oviedo
With history on the line, Atlético took the field against a struggling Real Oviedo side with absolute seriousness. It took them just a quarter of an hour to break the deadlock and etch their names in the record books. The opening goal wasn't just a goal; it was a work of art, a golazo that perfectly encapsulated the team's philosophy.
The sequence lasted a mere 26 seconds, from minute 14:43 to 15:09. It involved nine different players and 20 precise touches, moving the ball from their own half all the way to the back of Oviedo's net. It started with Nahuel Molina, went through Oblak, Lenglet, Pubill, and a brilliant one-touch pass from Griezmann. The play culminated with a perfect cross from Hancko that Sorloth powerfully finished at the far post. It was a perfect execution of high-speed, coordinated football.
Sorloth wasn't done, either. Just over ten minutes later, in the 26th minute, he was there again. After his initial shot was blocked by David Carmo, the rebound fell kindly, and the Norwegian striker smashed home an unstoppable volley from close range. At 2-0, the game was effectively sealed, and the record was officially broken.
Simeone’s Strategy: Quality Over Quantity
One of the biggest reasons for this incredible run is Simeone's masterful squad management. He's keenly aware of the dangers of a packed schedule, having seen his team falter from exhaustion last season. His mantra has become clear: "La calidad de los minutos antes que la cantidad es lo determinante, necesitamos de todos" – "The quality of minutes before the quantity is what's decisive, we need everyone."
This philosophy was on full display against Oviedo. Key players like Julián Alvarez, Giménez, Giuliano, and Barrios—all essential cogs in his machine—started on the bench. This gave others a chance to shine and keep the squad fresh for massive upcoming clashes against Barcelona at Camp Nou and Athletic Club at San Mamés. It was Marc Pubill's first start, and players like Gallagher and Molina got valuable time on the pitch.
Even with a comfortable 2-0 lead, Simeone never lets his team relax. He was seen on the sidelines demanding more intensity, knowing that any lapse in a league this competitive can be costly. He later brought on Giuliano, Barrios, and Julián Alvarez to regain control and see out the victory safely in front of the 61,305 fans braving the cold Madrid night. It’s this attention to detail that has revitalized the team and put them in such a strong position.
Conclusion
The 2-0 win over Real Oviedo was so much more than another three points for Atlético de Madrid. It was a historic night where they carved out their own unique space in the LaLiga history books. By scoring first for the 14th consecutive game, they didn't just break a record; they showcased a winning formula built on collective effort, tactical intelligence, and an unwavering desire to start every match on the attack. With the team in blistering form and Simeone managing his deep squad perfectly, they're not just winning games—they're making a powerful statement.
