Atlético de Madrid faces the clash against Real Madrid with sky-high confidence after thrashing Getafe and reaching the semifinals of the Copa del Rey. Simeone didn't want any surprises and fielded a starting eleven full of regular starters, something many doubted. Now, all attention is already focused on this new LaLiga matchday where they will seek to regain the solo lead in the standings.
One of the most positive news of this 2025, besides Giuliano Simeone's good form, is the growth Samuel Lino has experienced on the left wing. He hadn't started the season at his best level and Conor Gallagher took all the spotlight from him, although the Brazilian has managed to turn the situation around. He has scored in two consecutive matches and increasingly resembles the player who amazed the Metropolitano last season.
The best Samuel Lino
Expectations were sky-high with the former Gil Vicente player, as he had been named Atlético de Madrid's best player last season. However, the change in formation significantly affected him, moving from the wing-back position to having to play as a winger. In that regard, Conor Gallagher convinced Simeone much more in the early months, turning the Brazilian into a rotation player.
Even so, Samuel Lino didn't lose hope and his first goal in the comeback against Sevilla served as a starting point to grow again on the field. He has already scored four goals this season, having found the net against both Real Mallorca and in the thrashing of Getafe last Tuesday. He is starting to resemble that disruptive piece that pleasantly surprised fans in his first season as a colchonero.
Assault on Santiago Bernabéu
The Madrid classic to be played this Saturday has already started to take on certain final tones, as the difference between both teams is only one point. The red-and-white team has only conceded one defeat and one draw in the last 21 official matches they have played, an almost perfect streak. Meanwhile, Real Madrid faces this matchday with very sensitive defensive absences, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with few options.
Obviously, Atlético de Madrid maintains a very positive attitude toward this new challenge, showing a good level of play and a great level of their squad. "It's Linismo night," the colchonero team wrote on their social media after the Brazilian winger's goal against Getafe, something they will want to repeat this Saturday. It should not be forgotten that Samuel Lino already knows what it's like to score against the eternal rival, having done so in the Copa del Rey tie played last year.