When Crystal Palace snatched a 2‑1 win over Liverpool at Selhurst Park on September 27, 2025, the Premier League landscape shifted in an instant. The drama peaked in the 90+7 minute when Eddie Nketiah tucked away the decisive header, ending Liverpool’s flawless 5‑0 start. Half a world away, Atlético Madrid blasted Real Madrid 5‑2 in the Madrid derby, with Julián Álvarez netting a brace. In Barcelona, the return of teen prodigy Lamine Yamal sparked a 2‑1 comeback for Barcelona against Real Sociedad. These three matches underlined how quickly fortunes can swing at the top of European football.
Premier League shock: Palace vs Liverpool
From the opening whistle, Crystal Palace appeared intent on ending Liverpool’s perfect run. Ismaïla Sarr’s lightning‑fast strike in the 9th minute forced the home side into an early lead, and the Selhurst crowd erupted. Liverpool, led by a confident Mohamed Salah, pressed forward but found the Palace defence – Marc Guéhi, Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards and Tyrick Mitchell – impermeable.
Late drama unfolded when Federico Chiesa, on loan from Juventus, equalised in the 87th minute with a low finish that slipped past goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The goal sparked a brief flicker of hope in the Kop, yet the home team kept their composure.
The twist came deep into stoppage time. After a corner swung in, the ball found Eddie Nketiah’s head. He rose above the crowded box and powered a header into the top‑right corner, the ball ricocheting off Alisson’s outstretched arms. The stadium buzzed for a full minute before the final whistle.
Oliver Glasner, Palace’s manager, could barely contain his grin. "We knew we could win this one," he told NBC Sports. "The boys stuck to the plan, and Eddie gave us the gift of a night we’ll never forget."
Statistically, it was a seismic shift: Liverpool dropped from 15 points to 15, while Palace leapt from 6 to 9, tightening the mid‑table scramble.
Madrid derby: Atlético's statement victory
Just hours later, the capital’s roar was dominated by Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano. The hosts thundered into a 3‑0 lead by halftime, with goals from Álvaro Morata, a curling effort by Yannick Carrasco, and a clinical finish from Julián Álvarez.
Real Madrid, despite the pedigree of Karisma and Vinícius Júnior, looked tentative. Their first reply came from a penalty converted by Luka Modrić, but Atlético responded instantly. Álvarez, the Argentine teenager, added a second in the 65th minute, slotting a low drive after a quick one‑two with Koke.
Real’s woes compounded when Éder Militão forced an own‑goal in the 78th minute. The final scoreline – 5‑2 – was not just a win; it was a statement that Atlético’s blend of disciplined defending and swift attacking transitions could unsettle even the most storied clubs.
Atlético’s coach Diego Simeone hailed his side’s “relentless hunger.” "We wanted to set a tone for the season," Simeone said in a post‑match interview. "Five goals against the most successful club in Europe is a message: we’re back on the map."
In terms of league impact, Atlético vaulted to third place with 10 points, while Real slipped to fourth, trailing the leaders by three crucial points.
Barcelona’s comeback and Yamal’s impact
Meanwhile, in the Catalan capital, Barcelona faced an early setback against Real Sociedad. The Basques took the lead in the 12th minute through Mikel Oyarzabal.
Coach Xavi Hernández made a bold decision: start 17‑year‑old Lamine Yamal, who had missed the previous month with a thigh injury. The gamble paid off immediately. Yamal’s pace forced a defensive error, and Jules Koundé capitalised, equalising in the 34th minute.
Later, after a patient build‑up, Yamal threaded a perfect through‑ball to Robert Lewandowski, whose clinical finish in the 71st minute completed the comeback. Post‑match, Real Sociedad’s coach Sergio Francisco could not hide his admiration: "Yamal was brilliant, perhaps the best player in the world today – his vision, his speed, his heart."
Barcelona’s win lifted them to second in La Liga with 12 points, and cemented Yamal’s reputation as a generational talent.
Implications for the title races
Collectively, these results reshaped the early narrative of both leagues. In England, Liverpool’s unbeaten streak ended, putting pressure on Jürgen Klopp to regroup while Palace’s surge could see them challenging for a European spot if they maintain consistency.
In Spain, the Madrid derby has created a three‑way race between Atlético, Barcelona and Real Madrid. The points swing – Atlético gaining +3 relative to Real – means the latter must now win every match to stay in contention.
Analyst Luis García summed it up: "We’re seeing a season where the traditional hierarchy is being questioned. Upsets are becoming the norm, and that’s great for fans."
What’s next? Upcoming fixtures and key battles
Next weekend, Liverpool travel to Manchester City, a clash that could determine whether they bounce back or slip further down the table. Palace host Brighton, a match that will test whether their defensive solidity can hold against a high‑pressing side.
Atlético face Valencia at home, while Real Madrid travel to Sevilla – both fixtures vital for their European ambitions. Barcelona host Valencia, giving Yamal a chance to add more goals and possibly cement a starting berth.
All eyes will be on how managers adjust tactics after such dramatic results, and whether the newly ignited teams can sustain momentum.
Key Facts
- Crystal Palace beat Liverpool 2‑1 at Selhurst Park, ending a 5‑0 start for the Reds.
- Eddie Nketiah scored the stoppage‑time winner in the 97th minute.
- Atlético Madrid thrashed Real Madrid 5‑2; Julián Álvarez netted twice.
- Barcelona’s 2‑1 comeback against Real Sociedad featured a goal‑assist from Lamine Yamal.
- All three matches occurred on September 27, 2025, reshaping Premier League and La Liga tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Palace’s win affect their chances of European qualification?
The victory lifts Palace to nine points, placing them in the lower half of the top‑six. If they keep picking up three‑point wins, they could realistically finish within the UEFA Europa League spots, provided they hold off competition from Brighton and Fulham.
What does Atlético’s dominance mean for Real Madrid’s title hopes?
Suffering a five‑goal defeat drops Real to fourth place, three points behind the leaders. They now need to win their next seven matches and hope Atlético slips up to stay in the race.
Will Lamine Yamal become a regular starter for Barcelona?
His immediate impact – a decisive assist and constant pressure – convinced Xavi to keep him in the starting eleven. If he stays injury‑free, Yamal is likely to cement his spot alongside Lewandowski and Pedri.
Which upcoming match is most crucial for Liverpool to recover?
The clash against Manchester City at the Etihad is pivotal. A win would restore confidence and keep them within striking distance of the summit, while a loss could see them tumble into mid‑table obscurity.
