Atlético Madrid head back to the Metropolitano looking for a swift response after their shock opening day defeat to Espanyol, their first La Liga Matchday One loss since 2009/10. Simeone, now in his historic straight 15th season at the helm, knows another defeat or draw could see his side lose early ground to Barcelona and Real Madrid, Softfootball reports.
Despite the setback, Atlético can rely on the attacking trio that carried them through the tail end of last season, when they rattled in three or more goals in each of their last four home wins. With Julián Álvarez already opening his goal-scoring account, Simeone will expect his boys to be sharper and more ruthless to make a statement on home soil.
History is firmly on Atleti’s side, as they’ve gone 24 top-flight home meetings unbeaten against Elche and Simeone himself has never lost to them at home. Still, Simone will demand focus and intensity right from the start, especially with defensive injuries affecting the side, including doubts over José María Giménez.
Atléti have also struggled against newly promoted sides recently, winning just three of their last seven matches, so a disciplined performance will be important.
Atletico de Madrid’s confirmed XI against Elche posted on the club’s official X handle: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Cardoso, Barrios, Giuliano, Almada; Alvarez, Sorloth
For Elche, this is the kind of game they will approach with a lot of ambition. Their return to La Liga started on a promising note with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at home to Real Betis, extending their unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions.
That display showed they’re not in the top flight just to make up the numbers, but trips to the capital have rarely been kind; they have failed to win any of their last six visits to Madrid sides, and overturning that record against Atlético would require something special.
Germán Valera provided a bright spark last time out with a debut goal, becoming one of the youngest to score in La Liga this century for Elche, and his energy could be vital again.
They will, however, need to address their old habits if they are to take something away from this match. Four of their last five league games have ended in 1-1 draws, a reflection of their resilience but also of their struggles to take their opportunities and turn them into victories.
With veteran forward Josan still sidelined, much of the attacking burden falls on other players, but Elche have scored in each of their last 14 competitive matches, showing they carry a huge threat. Against an Atlético side determined to bounce back, Elche will need discipline, sharp counterattacks, and perhaps a touch of luck to come away with anything.
Elche confirmed their starting XI against Atletico Madrid via the club’s official X handle,: Dituro; Álvaro Núñez, Affengruber, John, Bigas, Valera; Aguado, Mendoza, Febas; Rafa Mir, Álvaro.
