Atlético de Madrid will face a challenging trip to Getafe before facing Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. The red-and-whites, although focused on overcoming their eternal rival, must surpass another of their neighbors to stay at the top. There is only a one-point difference between the colchonero team and Barça, allowing no slip-ups in their attempt to lift the title.
March is proving to be a very demanding month for Simeone and his players, something that could lead to some rotations in this Sunday's match. According to today's practice, there are several footballers with chances to get more minutes after having a residual role in recent weeks. There is still one session left, which will be held tomorrow, after which Cholo will address the media at Cerro del Espino.
Simeone Considers Several Changes
Indeed, the tough defeat against Real Madrid resulted in less wear and tear than expected for Atlético de Madrid, as there were moments of significant ball control. It was expected that the Madrid team would have moments where they suffocated the red-and-whites, although it was a very evenly matched clash overall. However, matches are starting to pile up, and Simeone might be considering giving opportunities to the less regular players.
According to this morning's test, there would be two pieces that might have chances to start this Sunday against Getafe under José Bordalás. The first is Reinildo, who would take the left-back position, replacing a Javi Galán who was heavily criticized after his match at Santiago Bernabéu. The other would be Rodrigo Riquelme, one of the figures who has lost the most prominence this season and needs to rediscover his best version.
Keeping an Eye on FC Barcelona
Practically all Atlético de Madrid fans would have signed up to be in the current situation, battling in all competitions. In LaLiga, there is only a one-point difference between Barça and the colchonero club, with a clash between them next week. Simeone is aware that this month of March can define the team's aspirations to lift a title again after four years.
Although their record against Getafe is positive, it is always challenging to face José Bordalás, something that was already evident in the first leg. The balance tipped in favor of the Argentine coach thanks to a solitary header goal by Alexander Sorloth in the second half. The Copa del Rey tie was very different, as the azulones opted for many changes against a very starting line-up of the colchoneros.