Conor Gallagher criticized by Spanish media for lack of attitude and intensity in Atletico Madrid defeat

Atletico Madrid suffered a heavy Champions League defeat to Benfica, with goals from Akturkoglu, Di Maria, Bah, and Kokcu.

Conor Gallagher Upset
Diego Souto/Getty Images

Atletico Madrid arrived at the Estadio do Dragao following an exciting injury-time draw with Real Madrid in La Liga. However, Diego Simeone’s side was caught off guard as they suffered their heaviest Champions League defeat since 2021, with goals from Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu, Angel Di Maria, Alexander Bah, and Orkun Kokcu. In their post-match player ratings, Spanish outlet Marca heavily criticized Conor Gallagher, particularly after the former Chelsea midfielder was responsible for conceding a penalty during the match.

Marca gave Gallagher a low rating of just 4/10, stating: “Gallagher came on after halftime and was involved in the penalty that led to Benfica’s second goal. He was also caught out by Bah for the third goal. He displayed no attitude or intensity, and his performance was inexplicable.”

Gallagher joined Atletico Madrid from Chelsea in the summer after a protracted transfer process. He signed a five-year deal with the Rojiblancos and has had a relatively solid start under Simeone. However, his showing against Benfica was far from impressive.

Despite this, the England international may be given another chance to prove himself in Atletico Madrid’s next fixture as they look to bounce back from the Benfica defeat. Simeone’s team will face Real Sociedad on Sunday, October 6.

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher

Forwarder, Midfielder

EnglandEngland

Age: 24

182 cm

kg

Season 2024/2025
Played 9 3 Missed
Minutes 596 66.2 Avg
Goals 2 0.2 Avg
Assist 0 0.0 Avg
Attempt 8 0.9 Avg
Passes 269 29.982.2% AvgSucc
Yellow 1 0.1 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total twice for 71 minutes for Champions League.

Conor Gallagher didn’t score any goal for Atlético Madrid. He procured no assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 4th in Champions League. In the last match Atlético Madrid lost 4-0 against Benfica. The next match in Champions League will be against Real Sociedad.

Atlético Madrid performance and stats

Atlético Madrid

Manager: D. Simeone
Rank 3rd
Win 6
Draw 5
Loss 1
Goals 18-7
Diff 11
Rank 23rd
Win 2
Draw 0
Loss 2
Goals 5-9
Diff -4

Atlético Madrid is currently 23rd in the Champions League with 3 points.

In the last 2 games, it has won once and lost once. In its last match, Atlético Madrid lost 4-0 against Benfica.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 2 goals and conceding 5.​