Atlético Madrid ended 2025 with a fourth consecutive victory across various competitions, securing a clean 3-0 win against hosts Girona in the 17th round of the Spanish football league. Under the guidance of Argentine coach Diego Simeone, the team moved up to third place with 37 points, trailing their city rival and nemesis Real Madrid by five points and leaders Barcelona by six. Captain Koke needed just 13 minutes to open the scoring with a long-range strike. Then, substitute Conor Gallagher, who came on for the injured Argentine Nicolás González, added a second goal from outside the box (38). Substitute Antoine Griezmann sealed the victory with a third goal, scoring from close range after a pass from Italian Giacomo Raspadori (90+2).Defender Marcos Lorienté made his first appearance for Atlético after missing seven matches due to injury. His coach had noted the day before the match that he was 'in good shape,' but he was later substituted for Griezmann (78).This marks the fourth consecutive win for the capital team against Girona, since their only defeat in January 2024.Meanwhile, Girona quickly fell back into a losing streak after emerging from it with a victory over Real Sociedad in the previous round. The team suffered its eighth defeat and its point tally remained at 15, placing them in 18th place, a position that threatens relegation.The Catalan club, which surprised everyone by finishing third in the 2023-2024 season, is struggling with a host of injuries, with a large number of players absent. Additionally, the club will be without the services of Moroccan Aydin Ounahi, who has left to join his national team for the Africa Cup of Nations.
