Atletico Madrid will face Espanyol at the Metropolitano on Saturday night, as both teams look to improve their standings in LaLiga following recent struggles.
Currently in fourth place, Atletico has earned 45 points from 24 games. Espanyol sits sixth with 35 points from the same number of matches. Espanyol’s coach, Manolo Gonzalez, is unbeaten against Simeone, with two draws and one win in their previous encounters, adding intrigue to this matchup.
Atletico’s recent performances have been inconsistent. After a 4-0 win over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey on February 12, they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano, a team battling relegation, just three days later.
In their most recent game, they let a two-goal lead slip in a Champions League playoff against Club Brugge, resulting in a 3-3 draw on February 18.
Atletico Madrid team news
Diego Simeone is facing some key player absences. Nicolas González remains sidelined with injury, and Pablo Barrios is out due to a right thigh muscle issue.
Midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza is suspended after accumulating yellow cards and will not be available for this match.
On a positive note, Álex Baena and José María Giménez, who were previously injured, have returned to full fitness and could play.
Atletico Madrid predicted lineup
Possible starting XI for Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Lenglet, Gimenez, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman; Baena; Alvarez
When will the match kick off?
The match will start at 8pm BST on Saturday, February 21.
How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Espanyol?
In the UK, fans can watch the match live on Disney+.
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