Atlético Madrileño left Cartagonova pitch empty-handed despite their efforts to score a late equaliser against Cartagena (3-2). Fernando Torres' side made the first blood through a header by Puric, gaining a one-goal advantage by almost the full first half. Larrea equalised from the penalty spot just before the break, and in the second half, the visitors conceded two threaded goals -Redondo and Sánchez, 61st and 65th minutes- turning the game into an uphill task. But Madrileño didn't give up, so after a superb strike from debutant Arnau Ortiz created clear chances and deserved a draw at one of the toughest pitches in the league.

After the game, Atlético Madrileño coach Fernando Torres highlighted, “We're hurt because of the final score. We displayed some good moments. We controlled the game in the first half, but after the 1-1, we struggled when we got back into the second half. After their goals, which both came really close, the team reacted so well. We were encouraged to win the game, closed the gap to 3-2 and had some clear chances to get a draw. We expected the chances we conceded in transitions because the team were focused on attacking tasks.”

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“Our team wanted to win, and we were brave. We tried to play the ball, so that is our DNA. Despite the inaccuracies, we always tried to play, to break into the spaces. So let's keep working and look forward to the next game,” the coach said.

Ahead of the next home game against another big gun in the league -Murcia- Torres encouraged his players with the prospect of “a game we love to play, against opponents who are set to be at the top of the table. They are harder to defeat, but it's much more enjoyable to play against them. We will continue working on two key phases: being comfortable without the ball, and when we regain possession, running into space with the players we have".

"I'm looking forward to this week to prepare for the game. We're on the right track, despite the points dropped. We're left with the positives and the enthusiasm shown by both the new players who were already here and the new ones who made their debut today,” Torres concluded.

- Match stats:

Atlético Madrileño: Mario de Luis, J. Boñar, Javi Serrano (Morcillo 63’), Iker Luque, O. Jannhe, Koke Mota (Ortiz 63’), Puri, Bellotti (Kostis 78’), A. Corral (Martínez 72’), M. Barboza (Llorente 75’), Jano.

Cartagena: Lucho García, R. Serrano, Imanol Baz, Fidalgo, Calderón (Sánchez 55’), Ortuño Y. (Chiqui 55’), P. Larrea (Blasis 75’) , Luismi (Gómez 78’), Kevin SR(Alcañiz 78’), Perejón, Nacho Martínez.

Bookings: David Cambronero booked Janneh (20’), Corral (37’). Bellotti (50’), Koke (58’); Larrea (45’), Gómez (93’), Nacho (95), Blasi (98’)

Goals:

0-1 Puric 27’

1-1 Larrea 49’

2-1 Redondo 61’

3-1 Sanchez 65’

3-2 Ortiz 88’