It’s just preseason, guys.
A big chunk of the first team are still on holiday, remember?
But, I understand, it wasn’t pleasant viewing.
To try and inject at least an ounce of good vibes into the online fan base, here are three positives to take from Atlético Madrid’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City in Seoul, South Korea.
Jorge Domínguez is a genuine squad possibility
It’s a shame he’s not a left-back, really.
Seeing as Matteo Ruggeri is off to the Premier League and Julio Díaz was sold to Sevilla, we could really do with someone on that side of defense.
Instead, 16-year-old Jorge Domínguez continues to provide a genuine option to be included in Atleti’s first-team squad next season, as a right center-back in a three, or as a right-back. His impressive preseason campaign continues (now three from three starts), and today saw him notch his first goal for “the club of [his] life”.
He took it as a striker would, seeing the ball filter through from a Morten Hjulmand poke-on after City failed to clear from a corner. You’d expect other defenders to snatch at the chance, but Domínguez was aware enough to allow the ball to come across his body and onto his right foot before using the outside of his boot to steer the ball beyond the reach of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
What stands out about the boy is something that Diego Simeone often speaks of his favourite players — their jerarquía. Translating as authority and not always relating to experience or age, it’s the way he looks in stature when on the ball or having to deal with an opposition attacker. A large contributor is, of course, his height and the already-solid frame that comes with it, something that helps him play beyond his years. Although Marc Pubill has played less than a season at the elite level, it feels strange to speak about him in this way, but there are traits of Pubill’s game that Domínguez displays, especially his bravery both on and off the ball.
Of course he still has work to do. A step up to LALIGA football for anyone that age is asking a lot, but the kid really isn’t that far off. He could benefit from a loan either to a first- or second-division team, but selfishly for Atlético Madrileño of the third tier, it would be great for Domínguez to stay. His Atleti B teammate Javi Boñar will likely be given the promotion out of Fernando Torres’ squad and into Simeone’s now that Nahuel Molina looks to be on his way to Italy for next season, so he’d be nailed on to start in that team.
If Domínguez is part of the Atleti set up for the next campaign, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him feature in Copa del Rey, busy two-game weeks and as injury cover.
Pablo Barrios is good at football, isn’t he?
You may have forgotten, but there’s a lad who wears the number eight for Atleti, a midfielder, that goes by the name of Pablo Barrios.
He hasn’t played much football for Atlético in 2026 due to injury, but he came on today in the 64th minute and looked as if he’s ready to drop an eye-catching season.
Progressive football through the midfield was a real weak point of the team’s last season, so seeing Pablo repeatedly thread balls between the lines up to the forwards was encouraging. Having only just turned 23, he’s a genuine reason to have faith in this side because things just seem to flow a lot better with him at the heart of play. He combines elements of Koke’s tendency to drop deep to pick up the ball off the defenders and spot passes from there, with the ability to drive into space when it presents itself and look to slot the ball through to the runners.
These are things we’re already aware of from Barrios, but it’s been a long six months without him, especially when we needed him most. To whatever ancient God of good health I have to pray to in order for this man to stay fit, I will.
Kang-In could Fit-In
A left-footed number seven with strong technical ability on the team is going some way to help me get over the loss of Antoine Griezmann.
Kang-In Lee made his debut on home soil, finally linking up with the squad after weeks of waiting for them to come to him. Issues with his exit visa out of South Korea meant it made more sense to hold on until this match, given Atleti were already heading to Seoul. Those problems with papers are now believed to be resolved so he will make his way back to Madrid with his new teammates.
He almost treated himself to an instant goal, shooting just wide from a free-kick that was waiting for him to strike upon entering the pitch. He then proceeded to demonstrate his technical range, enjoying some nice touches and passes coming from all across the front line. Lee probably should have done better when presented with a chance on his favoured left foot from a cut back, but couldn’t quite get his body in behind the ball in time.
It seems he’ll be a nominal right-forward, coming inwards with his line of play. This makes me think of only one thing: the benefit to Marcos Llorente.
For a lot of the past two seasons, it has felt as if both Llorente and Giuliano Simeone have wanted to do the same thing, and often ended up treading on each other’s toes. Now with a player in front of him who wants to open up the channel instead of running down it himself, Llorente should have the chance to stretch his legs down the flank more frequently.
I would then fear for where that would leave Giuliano, as he’s a player who needs regular playing time to show improvement. However, he’s that much of a rojiblanco that if you told him to play as third-choice goalkeeper for the season, he would blindly accept the role and give it his all.
Bless him.
