Both teams arrive as brand new quarterfinalists in the Copa del Rey, although in very different dynamics.
Atlético de Madrid is a winning machine, a fireproof team that could perfectly well be the fittest team in Europe today. With an enviable squad in which everyone is equally important, Diego Pablo Simeone broke his own record of consecutive victories last Sunday, achieving a whopping 15 wins in the last 15 games. Cholo is cautious, prudent, but it is inevitable not to think that this team can achieve something great at the end of the season with the great performance it is doing. At this point in the season, not even the psychics draw accurate conclusions, but the truth is that Atlético de Madrid is scary and, if they continue like this, they could be a serious candidate for all the titles.
Of Paul celebrating the triumph against Osasuna (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
After having defeated last Wednesday the Elche for a forceful 0-4, Atlético visit this afternoon Butarque, fort of the Leganés Sports Club. The ‘Lega’ comes from suffering before him Almeria, in a tie in which they had to overcome an adverse score to advance to the next cup round. In LaLiga, los ‘Pepineros’ They are only three points above relegation, with their main objective being salvation and avoiding the pit of Second Division one more year. He Atlético, For his part, he wants to hold on to the lead knowing that he depends on himself to stay at the top of the standings for another day.
Wanting more
The three points are of vital importance for both teams, with the situations of both teams being very different. While one fights against Madrid and Barcelona for fighting League Championship, The other intends to get away from the relegation spots by any means necessary. This afternoon’s duel promises to be very interesting, with two teams risking the same life to try to add three in a match that also aims to be tight. He Leganes They are a tough opponent, especially at home, a team with few cracks and that attacks quite well.
However, the Atlético He knows that winning today is almost an obligation. If you want to follow the journey of Madrid and Barcelona In this league campaign, games like these have to be carried out, thus avoiding what would be a major setback on their path to success. LaLiga. Diego Pablo Simeone He is aware of the importance of the duel, a match in which any smallest detail can make an overwhelming difference and in which it is crucial not to make mistakes. Without having the entire team at 100%he Cholo He has already been trying different combinations to try to attack Butarque.
Doubts in the XI
Simeone will have to go around the partner The Norman in the central duo, but the XI aims to be similar to this:
Defenses: Molina, Le Normand, Witsel, Galán.
Midfielders: Giuliano, Barrios, De Paul, Gallagher (you can enter Lino on that side given that he had good minutes against Osasuna and Elche).
Fronts: Griezmann and Alvarez.
-For his part, the Leganes aims to date:
Goalie: Marko Dmitrovic.
Defenses: Adrián Altimira, Sergio González, Jorge Sáenz and Matija Nastasic.
Midfielders: Javier Hernández Carrera, Óscar, Seydouba Cisse and Neyou Yvan.
Fronts: Daniel Raba, Miguel de la Fuente.
Give it value
To be the best you have to give your all, fight until the end and demonstrate on the green a security and confidence that commands respect in your rival. He Atlético de Madrid, probably the fittest team Europa At this moment, he knows very well everything that being the best entails, so this afternoon no less is expected of the men of a Cholo Simeone willing to keep the team at the top of the table. At the expense of being able to win the derby and take three crucial points, Atlético de Madrid intends to do something that is its trademark: add value.
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