Impressive Las Palmas Stun La Liga Lead-Chasing Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid spurned a chance to rise to the top of La Liga as they fell to a surprise 2-1 defeat by Las Palmas on Friday. Diego Simeone's side would have levelled leaders Real Madrid and Girona on points with a victory, but were outplayed by the hosts, provisionally ninth and enjoying their first season in the top flight since 2018. Kirian Rodriguez and Benito Ramirez struck in the second half for the Canary Islanders to secure Garcia Pimienta's side a famous victory, with Alvaro Morata pulling one back late on.

Atletico had racked up six consecutive league victories before falling short at Estadio de Gran Canaria.

"Las Palmas had a great game and it was hard for us," Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak told Movistar.

"They did not let us play, they made it hard for us to bring the ball out, they were very good.

"We were not perfect (so) in the end you lose, every game in this league is difficult if things don't go how they should, you can lose against any team."

The goalkeeper said he was sure his team would stay in the title fight and end up "happy" in May.

"La Liga is long, it doesn't matter if you go top or not, because there are a lot of games to go," he added.

"You have to be well, strong, lift your head up and keep improving and winning games. "I'm sure when the season ends we will be happy."

The first half was a tight affair, with Las Palmas as mean at the back as they have been throughout this season -- only Madrid and Atletico have conceded fewer goals.

The best opening of the first half fell to Rodrigo Riquelme, Atletico's most dangerous player throughout.

Antoine Griezmann threaded a pass in behind for the Spanish midfielder, but Alvaro Valles was equal to his shot.

Low drive

Las Palmas took the lead through