Atletico Madrid will look to respond from a disappointing opening-day defeat when they host newly promoted Elche at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday evening. Diego Simeone’s men suffered a surprise 2-1 loss away to Espanyol, while Elche marked their La Liga return with a respectable 1-1 draw against Real Betis.
It was a flat start for Atletico, who had led through Julian Alvarez’s strike in the first half, only to concede twice as Miguel Rubio and Pere Milla turned the match around. Simeone admitted afterwards that his tactical changes backfired, adding further frustration to a result that leaves Atletico already chasing Barcelona and Real Madrid after just one round of fixtures.
🕷️💥🤴 pic.twitter.com/4jblzBif7Z
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 21, 2025
(Odds via – BetMGM)
| Bets | Moneyline | Moneyline |
| Full Time Result | Atletico: -400, Elche: +1150 | Draw: +475 |
| Draw No Bet | Atletico: -2000 | Elche: +825 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5: -135 | Under 2.5: -102 |
| Total Corners | Over 9.5: +110 | Under 9.5: -160 |
| Atletico to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +250 | No: -135 |
| Elche to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +2000 | No: +1450 |
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Atletico will be aiming for a genuine title challenge this season after finishing 12 points off the pace last year. They were one of La Liga’s busiest clubs in the summer market, strengthening with the arrival of Alex Baena and adding depth across the squad. With the pressure already on, a strong response will be demanded at home this weekend.
Atletico enjoyed success against Elche last season in the Copa del Rey, running out 4-0 winners, but will be wary given Elche’s surprise 1-0 victory in their last La Liga meeting back in May 2023. Historically, Atletico have dominated this fixture, winning 34 of 57 meetings.
For Elche, the draw with Betis was a positive start on their return to the top flight following a second-place finish in last season’s Segunda Division. Eder Sarabia’s side fought back from a goal down, with German Valera equalising late on. Their summer business has been ambitious, headlined by the signing of Federico Redondo from Inter Miami, alongside experienced forwards Andre Silva and Alvaro Rodriguez.
Atletico Madrid vs Elche Under 2.5 Goals @ -102 as per BetMGM
The recent form of both these teams points to a low total. Atletico’s last three outings have been tight, with 0–1 vs Porto and 2–0 vs Newcastle both landing under this line. Meanwhile, Elche also arrive in clear under territory: 1–1 vs Real Betis, 1–0 vs Hercules, and 1–0 vs Almería in their last three. With a promoted side likely to sit compact away and Atlético control the ball, backing Under 2.5 Goals @ -102 in this match seems good value.
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(Odds via – BetMGM)
| Pick | Odds |
| 1-0 | +500 |
| 0-0 | +1100 |
| 0-1 | +2000 |
| 2-0 | +450 |
| 1-1 | +1000 |
| 0-2 | +5000 |
| 2-1 | +825 |
| 2-2 | +2800 |
| 1-2 | +3000 |
| 3-0 | +600 |
| 3-1 | +1100 |
Elche could make things tricky for Atletico, and it could be a tight game. For Simeone’s side, nothing less than three points will be acceptable as they aim to steady their campaign and remind rivals they remain serious contenders for the La Liga crown. As a result, the home side are likely to find a way through and secure all three points with a narrow win.
Final Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Elche
Bettors can explore a variety of betting options on BetMGM, including full-time results, over/under goals, and player props like Alexander Sorloth or Julian Alvarez to score, for this exciting La Liga clash.
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