Atlético de Madrid face a very difficult match this afternoon in Bilbao against Athletic Club with the aim of getting the points. The colchoneros face this new match after the setback suffered against the Spanish team in the last match played at the Metropolitano. Simeone will again make some changes to his starting team with respect to the eleven that started on Wednesday.
One of those who should return to the starting eleven is Antoine Griezmann , one of the great threats for Athletic Club in the Spanish championship. The French striker knows what it is like to mark the Basque team since he debuted more than a decade ago at Real Sociedad . Last season, both clubs played four duels in which those from Bilbao came out clearly victorious.
Antoine Griezmann returns to the attack
The French international is still trying to reach his best level in a season that will be longer than usual. Antoine Griezmann has started in two of the three games so far, scoring one goal . In the match against Espanyol , he started from the substitutes' bench, coming on in the second half, but without luck.
Athletic Club is one of the teams that Antoine Griezmann has played best against in Spanish football, having scored 14 goals against them . In fact, his first big night with Atlético de Madrid was in Bilbao after scoring three goals in the 2014-15 season. Today's match will be key for both teams, as they come into this matchday with some doubts and the desire to leave with the three points for the international break.
Everything points to Antoine Griezmann being much more involved in the rotations than last season. At times, the French striker was seen lacking energy in the most decisive matches for the red-and-white team. Simeone has a large number of players up front and has already made it clear that he will not hesitate to make changes.
Simeone, public enemy number one
Another of those who will not be welcomed very well this afternoon in Bilbao is the Argentine coach, returning to a stadium that eagerly awaits him. Since that incident with Julen Guerrero , Athletic Club fans have always greeted Simeone with whistles and insults. Even the fact that the Atlético coach refers to the club as “ Bilbao ” has generated some controversy in recent months.
In terms of football, Atlético de Madrid could see some changes compared to the draw against Espanyol. Josema Giménez and Marcos Llorente would return to defence, while Pablo Barrios would once again start in midfield. Antoine Griezmann will start in attack and everything points to him being accompanied by Julián Álvarez.