In the sixth round of La Liga 2024–25, Atletico Madrid drew 1–1 with Rayo Vallecano, with Gallagher scoring the only goal for the team. After a hard-fought 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League’s League phase midweek, Atletico returned to the local scene, although they had several challenges as they visited Rayo Vallecano as guests.

 

The Madrid squad gave Atletico a lot of trouble. Palazon gave them the lead in the thirty-fiveth minute. In fact, Rayo Vallecano outshot the visiting squad 16 times as many as they did 10 and had more time with the ball (55% as opposed to 45%).The renowned rookie James Rodriguez for Rayo Vallecano this summer only entered the game as a substitute in the 73rd minute. In the face of Atletico’s tenacious defense, he had not yet made an effect.

The contest was not simple for coach Diego Simeone and his pupils, though. In the Madrid derby, they needed to rely on Gallagher’s brilliant performance in the 49th minute to keep one point.Gallagher has scored in La Liga for the second straight round. The former Chelsea player previously scored his first goal while wearing an Atletico shirt in a 3-0 victory over Valencia in the fifth round of La Liga. The 24-year-old midfielder for the Spanish capital squad is also the first player from England to accomplish this.

In the summer of 2024, Julian Alvarez purchased the most expensive rookie for Atletico. But from the start of the season, Gallagher has been the player with the most promise for Atletico’s playing style. He has also had an amazing start. Gallagher has also not scored in two straight games for the first time in three years.

“Gallagher is the type of player that brings together all the excellent and extremely necessary elements for Atletico,” coach Diego Simeone confirmed following the game. “He enhances our performance,” the Argentine tactician confirmed.

The English player demonstrated the significance of Atletico’s midfield, and the Argentine strategist did not overstate the situation. In the past, head coach Simeone also underlined that the team needs to negotiate a deal with the midfielder from England from the start of this summer.