Atlético Madrid Faces Alavés in Crucial LaLiga Showdown at Wanda Metropolitano
The highly anticipated LaLiga clash between Atlético Madrid and Alavés is set to take place at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday, and it promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams battle for crucial points. Atlético, currently in a strong run of form with four consecutive wins, will be looking to extend their streak and push for a higher position in the standings. A victory in this match could see them climb to second place, just four points behind the league leaders. For manager Diego Simeone, it is a significant day, marking his 700th match in charge of Atlético Madrid, and he will be keen to mark this milestone with another win.
Simeone has confirmed his lineup for the game, and while the squad is strong, there are a few notable absences. The coach has opted to rest several of his players who were involved in international duty during the recent break. This decision sees the inclusion of players who stayed behind and worked at the club during the break, including Llorente, who returns to the starting lineup after recovering from an injury. The absence of Nahuel Molina, who is sidelined with an injury, forces Simeone to make changes to the backline. Llorente will fill in at right-back, while César Azpilicueta will start in central defense, alongside Witsel and Lenglet. Javi Galán will take the left-back position.
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In midfield, Koke and Barrios are expected to lead the team, with the two youth academy products playing a crucial role in dictating the tempo of the match. Both players have become central figures in the Atlético midfield, and their chemistry will be key against Alavés. Lino, who is also expected to feature in midfield, will provide additional support and creativity. Up front, Atlético will rely on the attacking duo of Antoine Griezmann and Ángel Correa, who both stayed with the team during the international break. Sorloth will be a valuable option from the bench, along with Gallagher, Julián Alvarez, and Riquelme, offering flexibility in attack.
Alavés, on the other hand, are struggling to maintain the impressive form they showed at the start of the season. With only one win in their last seven matches, they are in need of a result to avoid slipping further down the table. A victory over Atlético would be a massive boost for the team, helping them to consolidate their position in mid-table and move six points clear of the relegation zone. However, Alavés will have to cope without key players Novoa and Protesoni, both unavailable for this match.
Historically, Atlético has the upper hand in their encounters with Alavés, winning 18 out of their 30 meetings. The last time these two teams faced off, Alavés secured a surprising 2-0 victory, which will undoubtedly give them some confidence heading into this match. Despite their current struggles, Alavés will approach this match with the hope of earning at least a point, which would help stabilize their season and give them a fighting chance before the long winter break.
This match is crucial for both teams, with Atlético Madrid aiming to solidify their place near the top of the table and extend their impressive winning streak. For Alavés, a point or a win could be the spark they need to turn their season around. Fans can expect an intense and high-stakes match at the Wanda Metropolitano.
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