Atlético de Madrid (8-1-1, 25 points) return to LaLiga action Saturday afternoon when they travel to the Ciutat de València to face Levante UD (2-4-4, 10 points).
Diego Simeone’s side enter the weekend in excellent form, having won six consecutive LaLiga matches and gone unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions. Atlético currently sit second in LaLiga, just two points behind league leaders FC Barcelona.
Most recently, Los Rojiblancos secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Deportivo A
Coruña at the Metropolitano last Saturday. Julián Alvarez scored the only goal of the match shortly after halftime, while Jan Oblak was once again called upon late to preserve the three points.
Although Atlético have continued their excellent domestic form, the performances have not always been particularly convincing. Four of their last six league victories have come by a single goal, and Simeone’s side has struggled at times to put away opponents despite creating good opportunities.
One of the biggest positives has been the improvement defensively. Atlético have conceded just eight goals through their opening 10 league matches and have kept consecutive clean sheets against Espanyol and Deportivo.
However, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona awaiting Atlético in their next two matches, Saturday’s visit to Valencia could prove to be a difficult test. Managing minutes and avoiding additional injuries will be important considerations for Simeone as Atlético enter one of their most challenging stretches of the season.
Levante enter Saturday’s match sitting 14th in LaLiga with 10 points from their opening 10 matches. Luís Castro’s side has struggled to find consistency this season; the Granotas are coming off a 2-1 defeat to Real Sociedad last Sunday, just four days after recording an impressive 3-1 victory over Athletic Club at the Ciutat de València.
Despite their position in the table, Levante have been a particularly dangerous attacking side at home. Through their opening four league matches at the Ciutat de València, Castro’s men have scored 13 goals, including five against Real Betis, three against Sevilla and three against Athletic Club.
However, their attacking success has been accompanied by significant defensive struggles. Levante have conceded 19 goals through 10 league matches, including 10 in their four home fixtures. Those defensive vulnerabilities should present opportunities for Atlético’s attacking players, particularly Alvarez and Álex Baena, who have been among the most important contributors during the team’s recent unbeaten streak.
One player Atlético will need to keep an eye on is Levante captain Roger Brugué. The Spanish winger scored twice in the victory over Athletic Club and has been one of the more dangerous attacking players in Castro’s squad. Iván Romero and Petar Ratkov provide additional attacking options, while former Atlético defender Manu Sánchez is expected to feature on the left side of Levante’s defense.
Team news
Diego Simeone continues to deal with injury concerns, particularly in midfield, as Atlético prepare for Saturday’s match.
Koke and Johnny Cardoso remain sidelined with muscular injuries and have continued working separately from the squad. Both players missed last weekend’s victory over Deportivo, and neither is expected to feature against Levante.
There is better news regarding Cristian Romero, who has returned to full training after he missed Atlético’s previous two matches against Stuttgart and Deportivo. The Argentine defender has featured in Simeone’s preparations for Saturday’s match and could return directly to the starting lineup.
Simeone experimented with Marcos Llorente alongside Pablo Barrios in midfield during training this week, which would see Morten Hjulmand move to the bench ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich. Hjulmand will be suspended for that match following his red card against Stuttgart, so the logical thing would be for him to receive minutes at Levante.
There could also be changes in attack, with Giuliano Simeone pushing for a return to the starting lineup and Jonathan David, Ademola Lookman, Kang-in Lee and Alexander Sørloth all options for rotation. With Bayern Munich and Barcelona up next, Simeone will need to manage his squad carefully without overlooking Saturday’s opponent.
Historical matchup
Historically, Atlético have enjoyed the better of their meetings with Levante, boasting a 21-8-9 all-time record in LaLiga. However, the Ciutat de València has not been a particularly welcoming destination for Simeone’s side. Atlético have not recorded a league victory at Levante’s home stadium since June 2020, when an own goal from Bruno González was enough for a 1-0 win.
The most recent meeting between the clubs at the Ciutat de València came in January, when Atlético were held to a disappointing scoreless draw. Earlier that same season, Atlético recorded a 3-1 victory over Levante at the Metropolitano, with Antoine Griezmann scoring twice and an own goal from Adrián de la Fuente further helping Los Rojiblancos grab all three points.
Possible XI: Oblak; Grimaldo, Hancko, Romero, Pubill; Baena, Barrios, Llorente, Giuliano; David, Alvarez
Prediction: 3-2: Goals from Alvarez, David and Baena see Atleti through to their seventh consecutive win in LaLiga and see their unbeaten streak in all competitions extend to eight matches.
Notable players who have represented both clubs
Manu Sánchez, José Molina, Txomin Nagore and Marc Pubill
