Atletico Madrid and Elche are set to clash in what promises to be an intriguing matchup in La Liga this Saturday, 23rd August, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. This encounter will see both teams looking for crucial points, but their recent performances suggest contrasting motivations heading into this match.
Match Context and Recent Form
Atletico Madrid began their season with disappointment, suffering a 2-1 shock defeat against Espanyol, a game that saw them concede two late goals after taking an early lead. This result raised questions about their consistency and depth, especially after a fruitful transfer window aimed at infusing new talent into the squad. Coach Diego Simeone will be eager to turn things around at home, knowing the expectations that come with managing one of La Liga’s top clubs.
In contrast, newly-promoted Elche commenced their campaign with a commendable 1-1 draw against Real Betis. This result provides them with a platform to build upon and gives hope to their supporters that they can compete at this higher level. Under the management of Eder Sarabia, the squad has bolstered its ranks with thoughtful signings in a bid to ensure they remain competitive amidst their return to Spain’s top flight.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Atletico Madrid faces significant injury woes ahead of the match. Summer signing Alex Baena is sidelined due to a low-grade adductor muscle injury sustained in the season opener, keeping him out for around two weeks. Defensive stalwart Jose Gimenez also continues to be absent due to a muscle injury picked up during the Club World Cup. His return is not expected until early September, which is a substantial blow for a team seeking to shore up its defense.
Midfielder Pablo Barrios, who had a muscle strain during pre-season, has returned to training but may not be ready to feature in the starting eleven. On a more positive note, the team made notable summer acquisitions including David Hancko, Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada, and Giacomo Raspadori, which could provide the necessary spark to get back on track. Julian Alvarez, who scored in the opening match, will play a critical role in leading the attack alongside Antoine Griezmann.
Elche Team News
Elche’s task for the upcoming match is also complicated by injuries, although they currently report a fairly clean bill of health. Their standout summer signing Andre Silva, who joined from RB Leipzig, is expected to contribute significantly along with fellow newcomer and striker Rafa Mir on loan from Sevilla. Spanish forward Alvaro Rodriguez, signed from Real Madrid, proved pivotal in the previous match, and his collaboration with German Valera, who notably scored the equalizer against Real Betis, will be crucial in their attack strategy.
However, Elche will be without Yago Santiago, who is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and is expected to be out until mid-October. Additionally, Leo Petrot remains a doubt for the weekend. Despite these setbacks, Sarabia’s squad is looking to build on their positive momentum from the last match.
Predicted Lineups
For Atletico Madrid, the expected lineup could feature:
- Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
- Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri
- Midfielders: Simeone, Cardoso, Barrios, Almada
- Forwards: Julian Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann
Elche is likely to field a team including:
- Goalkeeper: Dituro
- Defenders: Nunez, Affengruber, Bigas, Petrot
- Midfielders: Aguado, Neto, Febas
- Forwards: Valera, Rodriguez, Mendoza
Match Preview
The stakes are particularly high for Atletico Madrid, who will be eager to bounce back at home after a disappointing start to their season. Diego Simeone is renowned for his tactical acumen, and he will look to capitalize on the home advantage, rallying his team to deliver an aggressive performance against the visitors. The attacking prowess of Griezmann and Alvarez will be vital to break down Elche’s defense.
On the other hand, Elche will see this match as an opportunity to claim a significant scalp early in the season. They can adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on solid defending and looking for counter-attacking opportunities through Silva and Mir. Their recent draw against Real Betis demonstrates their resilience and capability to adapt under pressure.
How to Watch
Fans in the UK will be able to watch this exciting matchup on Premier Sports 2. Expect a thrilling atmosphere at the Metropolitano as both sets of players are eager to secure points that could set the tone for their respective campaigns.
Conclusion
As Atletico Madrid looks to recover from an unexpected loss, Elche will aim to build on their encouraging performance. This encounter is a crucial moment for both teams, with Atletico Madrid attempting to reestablish their status as title contenders and Elche striving to solidify their position in La Liga. Every match counts in this competitive league, and this game is expected to be no different. All eyes will be on the pitch as the players fight for supremacy, setting the stage for what promises to be an entertaining clash.
