At the most crucial point of the season, Atlético has faced an unexpected problem: Alexander Sørloth, recently seen as the team’s main scorer, has stopped delivering results. His goal streak ended just when the club was counting on his accuracy, and his substitute appearances have brought no benefit. In the last four matches, Sørloth has not scored once, and this is no longer just a temporary slump but a worrying sign for the coaching staff and fans.
The loss of effectiveness is especially noticeable given that at the start of the year, the Norwegian was scoring in every match, inspiring the team to win. However, after his goal against Real Sociedad in La Liga, he hit a dry spell: neither in the matches against Tottenham nor in games with Getafe and Real Madrid was Sørloth able to change the score. In three of the last four games, he came off the bench, and this role has become a real issue for him — throughout the season, he has not scored a single goal as a substitute.
Loss of status
The situation is complicated by the fact that his attacking competitors are in excellent form. Griezmann and Julián are both showing consistency and scoring results, which means Sorloth is spending more time on the bench. His playing time has sharply declined: over the last four matches, he has played just 144 minutes—half as much as during his peak, when he was scoring two or three goals per game. At the same time in previous seasons, Sorloth was one of the team’s top super-subs, but now his appearances as a substitute are not delivering the expected impact.
Last year, the Norwegian scored 14 times in 30 appearances off the bench, but now, after 21 similar games, he has yet to find the net. This is not just a statistic—it reflects how his role in the team has changed. The coaching staff are exploring new options, and fans are increasingly asking whether Sorloth can regain his old form. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, such slumps are not uncommon for strikers, but right now, with the Champions League and the Cup at stake, this crisis could prove costly for the club.
Impact on the team
Sorloth’s problem extends beyond personal statistics. His inability to score as a substitute affects the coach’s tactical choices and the entire team’s mentality. There was a time when his second-half appearances changed the course of games—as in the match against Brugge, where he failed to score but completely altered the dynamics. Now, his substitutions lack freshness and sharpness, and opponents are increasingly taking advantage of this.
The importance of Sørloth’s role is emphasized by the fact that decisive matches at the end of the season require creative solutions and unexpected heroes. However, so far the Norwegian has not been able to reclaim his status as the team’s main attacking weapon. Against this backdrop, there is discussion about how La Liga clubs are managing squad overhauls and changes in leadership—for example, major changes have already begun at Real Madrid, which could affect the balance of power in the league.
Comparison with the past
If we compare the current slump to previous periods, it becomes clear: Sørloth has faced similar challenges before but always found a way to return to form. Now, the situation is complicated not only by increased competition but also by psychological pressure—the expectations for him are high, while his scoring rate has dropped. Even with the Norway national team, he failed to score in the last match against the Netherlands, which only raises more questions about his current form.
In the coming weeks, Atlético faces a series of key matches, and the team’s success in the race for trophies will largely depend on whether Sørloth can overcome this crisis. Fans are waiting for his old drive and goals to return, while the coaching staff is forced to look for new ways to strengthen the attack.
Aleksander Sørloth is a Norwegian forward who joined Atlético in 2025 and quickly became one of the team’s most prominent players. His playing style is marked by power, speed, and the ability to find open spaces in the box. In a short time, he earned the trust of coaches and fans, becoming a key figure in the attack. Despite a recent dip in form, his potential and experience offer hope for regaining his previous scoring effectiveness, and his role remains crucial for the team’s pursuit of ambitious goals.
