listen to the news
listen to the news
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
A decisive duel in the Metropolitano
This Sunday, January 14, Atlético de Madrid hosts Osasuna at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in a crucial match on matchday 19 of LaLiga EA Sports 2024-25. The objective for those led by Diego Simeone is clear: win and become winter champions, a symbolic title that could mark the path to glory at the end of the season.
With 41 points under their belt, Atlético occupies second position, just one point behind Real Madrid, which leads with 43. However, the meringues have already played their match corresponding to this date, falling 2-1 against Athletic Club in December. A mattress victory against Osasuna would allow them to surpass their eternal rival and close the first round as leaders.
The weight of the winter champion title
Although it is an honorary recognition, the title of winter champion has proven to have a significant impact on championship aspirations. Since the implementation of the three-point-per-win system in the 1995-96 season, 23 of the 29 teams that led at the end of the first round managed to win the title at the end of the season.
For Atlético, who have shown consistency in this first half of LaLiga, being crowned winter champion would not only be a coup of authority in the competition, but also a morale boost to face the second round.
The mattress artillery, ready for the challenge
Simeone’s team will have a lineup full of talent, highlighting figures such as Julián Álvarez, Rodrigo de Paul, Nahuel Molina and Antoine Griezmann. This solid block has been key to keeping Atlético as one of the main contenders in the fight for the title.
For its part, Osasuna arrives at the Metropolitano with the intention of ruining the mattress party. Located in tenth position, the red team will seek to repeat the feat achieved last season, when they surprised Atlético with a resounding victory in this same stadium.
Probable starting eleven
Atlético could take the field with:
Oblak; Nahuel Molina, Le Normand, Hermoso, Galán; De Paul, Barrios, Llorente; Correa, Julián Álvarez and Griezmann.
On Osasuna’s part, an eleven is expected made up of:
Sergio Herrera; Areso, Catena, Boyomo, Juan Cruz; Moncayola, Lucas Torró, Rubén García; Rubén Peña, Budimir and Aimar Oroz.
One more step towards the final goal
The match against Osasuna represents much more than a match for Atlético de Madrid. The possibility of closing the first round on top will not only grant them recognition as winter champions, but will also allow them to face the second half of the season with confidence and leadership.
Will ‘Cholo’ Simeone’s team be able to take this important step towards the title? Everything is ready for the Metropolitano to witness a day that could be decisive in the fight for LaLiga.
