Atlético de Madrid wants to maintain the good momentum after the thrashing in Salzburg and once again threaten Real Madrid's leadership in LaLiga. The red-and-whites host a Real Mallorca that has suffered four consecutive defeats without being able to score in any of those matches. The bad news for Simeone is that he won't be able to count on Rodrigo de Paul, who is serving a suspension after receiving a yellow card against Villarreal.
Javi Galán won't be available either, as he is still recovering from his sprain, needing more time to be available in defense. However, there is a concern among the Atlético fans, as next matchday they will have to visit Santiago Bernabéu at a crucial moment. It should be noted that the team led by Carlos Ancelotti will play the first leg of the Champions League against Manchester City right after.
Simeone has three players on the verge of suspension
Atlético de Madrid returns to the league championship tomorrow to host Real Mallorca and get closer to the top of the standings to continue fighting for the leadership. The red-and-white team has suffered two consecutive setbacks with the defeat in Leganés and the last draw against Villarreal at the Metropolitano. The bad news is that Rodrigo de Paul and Javi Galán won't be on the squad list, but there is another concern for Simeone.
Up to three players are on the verge of suspension and would miss the visit to Santiago Bernabéu next week if they were booked. These players are Julián Alvarez, Robin Le Normand, and Koke, with the situation of the Argentine forward being particularly sensitive, as he is the team's top scorer. Of all of them, it seems that only the world champion is likely to start after being substituted in the last victory in Salzburg.
A lighter schedule
It is very important that Atlético de Madrid has been able to skip the preliminary phase of the Champions League, directly accessing the round of 16. They have managed to have a lighter schedule, something that Real Madrid, their main rival for the LaLiga title, will suffer. The whites will have to face a tough tie against an always demanding Manchester City, even though they are at their worst moment.
In fact, the Madrid classic next week will be played just before the first leg in which the Madridists will have to travel to England to meet Pep Guardiola. The Atlético players may have that advantage in the physical aspect, although they will first have to play the Copa del Rey tie against Getafe. That match will also be very challenging for the Atlético players, as the blue team already put them in trouble in their last encounter.