Atlético de Madrid wanted to stay in the fight for the lead against an always challenging Real Mallorca, needing to end their bad streak of results. The red-and-whites were defeated by Leganés and couldn't get past a draw against Villarreal, distancing themselves from the top of the table. However, the Balearic team also wasn't arriving at their best moment, conceding four defeats without scoring any goals in those matches.
The player who took advantage of the opportunity was Samuel Lino, once again starting on the left wing after showing a good level against Salzburg. He opened the scoring in the first half after a great assist from Giuliano Simeone, who continues to be in great form after making his debut in the Champions League. The bad news is the booking of Robin Le Normand, who won't be available to visit Santiago Bernabéu.
Samuel Lino shows his candidacy
The Brazilian is one of the players who is in the spotlight, as his level has dropped significantly compared to the last season when he was decisive. It is true that the change of scheme carried out by Simeone hasn't favored him, giving much more prominence to Conor Gallagher. However, against Real Mallorca he experienced his second consecutive start, being the author of the red-and-white goal in the first half.
He has already scored three goals, the former Gil Vicente player, although those numbers are still far from what he achieved as a wing-back last season. Cholo has been getting annoyed with him for some time and pointing out his growth in recent weeks, as he is becoming an important piece again. Obviously, he will continue to be demanded to the maximum, as he had already shown that he can be one of the best in the squad in this team.
Robin Le Normand, the negative news
Up to three players from Atlético de Madrid were at risk of suspension if they received a yellow card, missing the match against Real Madrid. All of them were starters, but the only one affected was Robin Le Normand, who won't be able to be on the list of call-ups to visit Santiago Bernabéu. It was a risk that Simeone had to take, as he maintains his game-by-game philosophy to stay in the fight for the lead.
It was a good match defensively, as Real Mallorca struggled to create chances in Jan Oblak's goal. Obviously, it is a very sensitive absence, as the Spanish international was starting to recover that great version from the first months of the season. His position will surely be filled by Clement Lenglet, who was also a starter and has long been a great rival in defense.