Atlético de Madrid faces the end of the first phase of the Champions League by visiting a Salzburg team that is already completely eliminated from the tournament. The Austrian club is one of the most scored against in the competition, falling in their last match against Real Madrid by a resounding scoreline against them (5-1). Meanwhile, the colchonero team traveled yesterday after some weather problems forced them to delay their plan, training at Cerro del Espino.
Simeone has conducted some tests in recent days with several possible changes, as he has two confirmed absences for tonight. Pablo Barrios, suspended, and Javi Galán, injured, remain in Spain, forcing the Argentine coach to look for two reliable substitutes. Additionally, according to what was seen yesterday in Majadahonda, it seems that several of the usual starters could rest thinking about Saturday's match against Real Mallorca.
Alexander Sorloth returns to the field
Tonight's match is a final for Atlético de Madrid, not because their presence in the Champions League is at risk, but for a much greater objective. The rojiblancos want to advance directly to the round of 16, avoiding a preliminary phase that could pair them with a high-level opponent. To achieve this, they depend on themselves, and a victory today against Salzburg would qualify them among the top eight of the tournament, something that seemed impossible a few months ago.
A player who has a chance to regain his starting position is Alexander Sorloth, who was injured in the Copa del Rey tie against Elche. He returned to an official call-up against Villarreal, although he didn't get any minutes, despite the match ending in a draw after a good performance by the colchonero team. Yesterday, Simeone practiced with the Norwegian at the forefront of the attack alongside Antoine Griezmann, leaving Julián Alvarez on the bench.
Defensive doubts
The other uncertainty would be in the defense, as the central duo is expected to be formed by Robin Le Normand and Clement Lenglet, giving Josema Giménez a rest. The Uruguayan went straight into the starting eleven against Bayer Leverkusen after several weeks recovering from a muscle injury, which was risky. He was already a substitute against Villarreal, although he was booked after protesting one of Sánchez Martínez's controversial actions against the rojiblancos.
The formation is also unclear, as César Azpilicueta could start as a left center-back or full-back after Reinildo's poor performance last Saturday. Ahead of the Navarrese player would be Samuel Lino, who scored the equalizer against Villarreal, with a questioned Conor Gallagher leaving the line-up. Finally, Koke would be chosen to replace the suspended Pablo Barrios, needing to show his best level to regain confidence.