LALIGA
How Atlético Madrid plan to stop Real Madrid: line-up and tactics
Diego Simeone will start with Griezmann and Julián Alvarez and De Paul could return to midfield after being absent in the last two games.
Atlético Madrid host Real Madrid at the Cívitas Metropolitano for Matchday 8 of LaLiga. Diego Simeone’s side enters the match with confidence after their win in Balaídos, leaving them just two points behind the reigning champions. A victory would not only put Leti ahead of their city rivals but also close the gap with Barcelona, who slipped up big time against Osasuna under manager Hansi Flick.
Team choices for Atlético Madrid
Simeone’s squad has only two confirmed absences: Pablo Barrios and César Azpilicueta, although Thomas Lemar, who has rejoined the group, doesn’t seem to be in Cholo’s immediate plans. Rodrigo de Paul, who missed the last two matches (Celta and Rayo), is expected to return to the starting lineup, joining Koke and Conor Gallagher in midfield. De Paul’s absence was felt in recent games, with Koke struggling to manage the midfield on his own.
Simeone’s planned starting lineup for the derby will feature three changes from the Atlético side that played in Balaídos against Celta Vigo, with De Paul, Rodrigo Riquelme, and Julián Álvarez expected to start. The latter two were instrumental in securing Atlético’s last LaLiga victory: Riquelme, known as “Roro,” impressed with his flair and creativity, while Álvarez, “La Araña,” (the spider) scored a crucial last-minute goal – his second for Leti.
What’s certain is that Marcos Llorente will return to the right wing-back role (after playing in central midfield in the last two games) to provide defensive cover against Vinicius Jr., a key part of Real Madrid’s attack.
Simeone’s team gathered at 1:00 p.m. local time at their new hotel in Madrid, Mirasierra Suites, ahead of the late kick off. From there, the team will head to the stadium two hours before the action gets underway, which is 3 p.m. ET, where they are expected to receive a warm reception from their supporters.
As for the likely starting XI against Real Madrid, it is expected to be: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Giménez, Reinildo, Riquelme; De Paul, Koke, Gallagher; Griezmann, Julián Álvarez. El Derbi awaits.