Atlético de Madrid faces Celta de Vigo this afternoon with the goal of putting pressure on Real Madrid and potentially reclaiming the top spot in the standings. Only one point separates the red-and-white team from the merengue squad, making any slip-up crucial for a change in the table. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona is waiting for both teams to falter, as they closed the gap after last week's Madrid classic.
Looking ahead to today's clash, Simeone has the entire squad at his disposal, which enjoyed a few days of vacation, returning to training on Wednesday. Additionally, the colchoneros haven't had action in the Champions League thanks to their direct access to the round of 16, giving them a lot of breathing room. Everything points to Cholo possibly betting on a pair in his starting eleven that had performed very well during the first months of this season.
Atlético de Madrid's Wall
One of the keys to seeing the colchoneros in the fight for all titles is their defensive strength, something that was lost last season, conceding many goals. If there was a positive note in the early matches, it was the pair formed by Josema Giménez and Robin Le Normand. Both center-backs complemented each other perfectly from day one, although that union was broken with the injury of the Spanish international.
The Uruguayan international has managed his minutes after the muscle injury he suffered against Barça, stringing together three matches without minutes following the victory against Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Robin Le Normandhas started in the last four matches he was available, as he served a suspension against Real Madrid. Now, both could be starters, with Clement Lenglet, who has also accumulated many minutes in recent weeks, sitting on the bench.
In Pursuit of the LaLiga Lead
The rest of the players could be the usual ones Simeone has used, with few uncertainties in the line-up, although there could be some modifications. Nahuel Molina could return to the right flank, while Samu Lino and Conor Gallagher continue their battle for the left wing. Up front, barring any surprises, Julián Alvarez is expected to remain a starter, as he is the top scorer for the red-and-white team.
Alexander Sorloth, who had minutes at Santiago Bernabéu and scored against Getafe, could start, giving Antoine Griezmann a rest. Celta de Vigo visits the Metropolitano after an epic comeback at home against Real Betis, overturning a 0-2 result. They already caused many problems for the colchoneros in the first-leg match, precisely on the day of Giuliano Simeone's first start.