Own Goal: Atlético Madrid's Unexpected Top Scorer
Atlético's goal-scoring issues have been unexpectedly aided by four own goals in La Liga this season, making 'own goal' one of their most reliable contributors.
Atlético Madrid might be struggling for goals up front, but they’ve found an unlikely hero this season: Mr. Own Goal.
Goal-scoring woes
The Rojiblancos are hardly setting the world alight in the scoring department this season. With just 38 goals in 21 league matches, they’re not even averaging two per game, and none of their players currently feature among La Liga’s top ten marksmen.
Sorloth and Julián Álvarez are tied as the club’s leading scorers with seven apiece after Sorloth’s recent strike against Mallorca. Griezmann trails slightly behind with six goals to his name.
But what’s truly remarkable is that just behind these three forwards (especially following Raspadori’s recent departure), we find an unexpected fourth ‘player’ making significant contributions: own goals.
The unexpected hero
Atlético have benefited from no fewer than four own goals in domestic competition this season. For context, that’s more than what several of their actual players have managed:
- Almada has found the net three times
- Giuliano, Gallagher (now departed), Baena and Koke have two each
- Barrios, Nico and Le Normand have contributed one goal apiece
That makes ‘own goal’ one of Atleti’s most consistent contributors - a proper result that is!
The collection of gifts
Starfelt (OG) in Celta 1-1 Atlético
The first of these fortunate strikes came on matchday eight in Vigo. Griezmann played Barrios through on goal, but instead of shooting, the academy graduate tried to set up Julián. Celta’s Starfelt stuck out a leg to intercept and ended up diverting the ball into his own net. Iago Aspas later equalized for the hosts.
Dela (OG) in Atlético 3-1 Levante
November brought another own goal, this time at the Metropolitano against Levante. Again it was the opener, with Barrios crossing from the right before goalkeeper Ryan palmed the ball onto the unfortunate Dela and into the net. Levante equalized before halftime, but a Griezmann double secured the points.
Duarte (OG) in Getafe 0-1 Atlético
This one proved decisive as the only goal at the Coliseum. Late in the game, Baena sought out Raspadori at the back post, whose touch toward Griezmann was diverted in by Duarte. Getafe boss Bordalás was absolutely fuming, especially as the goal came while his team was down to ten men with Djené off receiving treatment.
David López (OG) in Atlético 3-0 Mallorca
The latest addition came this Sunday. Llorente delivered from the right, Mateu Jaume’s attempted clearance went central, and the ball struck David López before finding the net. At 2-0, this effectively sealed the game for an Atlético side that, in the absence of their own goal-scoring prowess, is making good use of their opponents’ misfortunes.
For a team with finishing problems, these four own goals have been absolute diamonds.