Probable lineup of Atlético de Madrid against RCD Espanyol in LaLiga

Atlético de Madrid can’t cease after the draw in opposition to Bruges and already has its sights set on the subsequent spherical of LaLiga. This weekend they host Espanyol on the Metropolitano, one of many groups that has stunned essentially the most in the course of the first spherical of the championship. Though the Catalan group is now going by way of an irregular streak, it continues to dream of entering into European positions and won’t be a simple rival.

Within the first spherical match, Espanyol already confirmed that they know compete with Atlético. He got here again from Julián Álvarez’s preliminary aim from a direct free kick and took the three factors, a precedent that forces the rojiblancos to not belief themselves. Simeone is considering introducing rotations, however this time they won’t be as deep as in different current appointments.

The struggle for the Champions League has develop into tighter than ever. The great second of Actual Betis and the final victory of Villarreal have compressed the classification. Every day has develop into a ultimate for an Atlético that not has any margin for error if it desires to make sure its presence within the high European competitors.

The struggle for the Champions League places strain on Atlético

Atlético de Madrid has stopped wanting upwards, in the direction of Barça and Actual Madrid, and is now targeted on defending its Champions place. Villarreal received their postponed match in opposition to Levante and has surpassed the rojiblancos within the LaLiga standings. They’re three factors forward for the yellow submarine, which additionally has but to obtain Simeone’s group in its stadium.

Actual Betis would not let up both. The inexperienced and white are solely 4 factors away after having stormed the Metropolitano a couple of weeks in the past. It’s true that they are going to quickly should face the Europa League, one thing that may take its toll bodily, however as we speak they’re nonetheless absolutely concerned within the struggle.

With this situation, the calendar doesn’t surrender. The European duel in opposition to Bruges subsequent week forces Simeone to handle his efforts. The Argentine coach is aware of that he wants stability between competing every recreation to the fullest and stopping the group from reaching the decisive stage in a meltdown.

Simeone prepares a recognizable eleven

The rotations is not going to be as large as these seen in Butarque. Jan Oblak might be between the sticks and the whole lot factors to a protection made up of Marcos Llorente, Josema Giménez, David Hancko and Matteo Ruggeri. Simeone desires safety on the again at a time the place each element counts.

Within the heart of the sphere, Johnny Cardoso would return to the engine room, accompanied by Álex Baena and Koke. The concept is to regain management and stability, one thing that the group has been lacking in some current levels. The engine room might be key to stopping Espanyol and supporting the group in moments of strain.

We start to organize for the match in opposition to Espanyol. pic.twitter.com/m2KXv9tcT3

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 19, 2026

Upstairs, barring a shock, the aim will as soon as once more fall to Cholo’s trusted trident: Lookman, Julián Álvarez and Giuliano Simeone. They’re the boys referred to as to make a distinction on this decisive stretch of LaLiga.

One among Atlético de Madrid’s pending points continues to be the contribution of the much less frequent ones. Simeone insists that he wants your complete squad engaged to face a demanding schedule. Gamers like Sorloth, Almada, Molina or Vargas should take a step ahead from the bench if the group desires to go away this small disaster behind and safe its aim: taking part in within the subsequent Champions League.