Atlético de Madrid faces almost a final tonight in their visit to Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu with the firm objective of regaining the lead. The rojiblancos cut three vital points from their eternal rival in the last matchday after defeating Real Mallorca at the Metropolitano. It won't be an easy match, despite Carlo Ancelotti's team facing this new duel with very sensitive absences in defense.
Meanwhile, the colchonero team is experiencing a great moment of form, having achieved 19 victories, one draw, and one defeat in the last 21 matches played. For many months, Simeone has been using the same formation that has given him the necessary balance on the field and a great streak of results. Additionally, he has a bench with decisive footballers who are providing important goals that allow the club to be in the fight for titles.
Simeone has his best weapon
Surely, there are very few doubts about the starting eleven that the Argentine coach will field tonight at Santiago Bernabéu, in search of an important victory. It is clear that the attacking duo will be formed by Antoine Griezmann and Julián Alvarez, the two top scorers of the squad this season. Thus, Alexander Sorloth will remain on the bench, maintaining his status as the top scorer in LaLiga with very surprising numbers.
He has scored seven goals in the last 11 matchdays played, five of them from the bench, being the top scorer in this aspect. Additionally, he has also scored three other goals in the Copa del Rey, the last of them to seal the rout against Getafe in the quarterfinals. On the other hand, he knows very well what it is to score against Real Madrid, as he managed to do so four days with Villarreal in the second half of last season.
The enigma in Atlético de Madrid
Although there are not many doubts to solve, it is evident that one of them is on the left wing, where Conor Gallagher and Samuel Lino compete for the starting position. The Brazilian winger has been growing in recent weeks and has managed to score consecutively in the last two matches. Meanwhile, the English international is a much more physical piece, surely perfect for playing matches like tonight's.
On the right wing, everything points to the return of the duo formed by Giuliano Simeone and Marcos Llorente, although it is not entirely clear what will happen on the left-back. Javi Galán was a starter against Getafe after returning from his injury, but the option of Reinildo has many possibilities in this scenario. The defensive aspect is the greatest virtue of the Mozambican defender and can be key against Real Madrid when it comes to stopping a very dangerous trident.