Atlético de Madrid host Sevilla for a 4:15 p.m. local kickoff on Saturday. Coming off a tough Champions League match against Arsenal in London and a gritty 2-0 victory over Betis in Seville, the welcoming arms of the Metropolitano faithful could not come at a better time.
Atlético (5-4-1, 19 points) return home to the Spanish capital with nearly a full complement of players. However, there is the notable exception of Pablo Barrios, who suffered a minor injury in the win over Betis that could rule
him out for the next two games.
Next man up? The American, Johnny Cardoso. Diario AS writes that it is now Cardoso’s time to shine, given his recent return to training — and we couldn’t agree more. Outside of Barrios, El Cholo should have his pick of options for this match, one that could lift Atlético into the top three with a win. Atleti’s league form does appear to be trending upward, and that momentum can be firmly cemented with a statement performance at home against another Andalusian rival.
Sevilla (4-1-5, 13 points) venture to Madrid on short rest following a 4–1 win over Toledo in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday. Los Nervionenses added some big (if aging) names like Alexis Sánchez and former Atleti great César Azpilicueta, but they sold Loïc Badé and Dodi Lukébakio over the summer. Outside of those changes, Atleti can expect to face a familiar squad to the one they met back in December of last year.
In league play, it’s been a mixed bag for new coach Matías Almeyda and his men. Most notably, the club produced a scoring performance for the ages against second-place Barcelona at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán before the international break, only to follow it up with a disappointing 3–1 defeat to Mallorca at the same venue. What version will Los Rojiblancos see on Saturday? Hopefully, the latter.
Historical matchup
Atlético Madrid hold a 64–52–46 all-time record against Sevilla in LaLiga. In their last ten meetings, Atleti have gone 6-1-3, highlighted by a 6–1 thrashing at the Metropolitano in 2023. Their most recent league clash didn’t disappoint either, as Los Colchoneros mounted an incredible comeback powered by two Antoine Griezmann golazos.
Notable players who have represented both clubs
Saúl Ñíguez, César Azpilicueta, Éver Banega, José Antonio Reyes, Kévin Gameiro, Vitolo (legend) and most importantly Diego Pablo Simeone.
Team news
We may be in for a surprise or two when Atlético announce the starting 11. Simeone has divided the team into two “groups” this week, in response to Barrios’ injury. It could see Álex Baena and/or Conor Gallagher drop into midfield while Cardoso continues to build back up to match fitness.
Marc Pubill and Matteo Ruggeri both worked with potential “starting” lineups this week, meaning one of them could be in line for minutes on Saturday. The Sevilla game is the start of a month in which Atlético play five games at home and do not leave the Community of Madrid, which could be important for some of the new signings who haven’t played as much yet.
Possible 11 Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Gallagher, Giuliano, Nico; Baena, Alvarez.
