After completing its European debacle, Atlético must urgently respond to a needy Espanyol to cling to the League
In times of crisis after falling in Cádiz and Porto and even being dropped from the second European division, Cholo Simeone this Saturday invoked the classic values of “family” and “unity” to solve problems and bring pride and the identity in the League clash this Sunday at the Wanda Metropolitano against Espanyol. In the first afternoon session, the nomination is presented as a plebiscite to the Argentine coach, increasingly discussed, to the team, even unknown in attitude, and to the leaders.
It is Atletico’s worst moment in 11 years with Simeone, but he has already become used to moving through modern arenas in recent years. That defeat at home to Levante last February, the elimination from the Champions League in a group with Qarabag in the 17-18 season, although Atlético would become champions of the Europa League, remember, their sad performance from two years ago until the pandemic , when he was sixth, or his Copa del Rey failures with Cultural and Cornellà.
Cholo is now more than ever clinging to match after match, to take a win against Espanyol, also necessary because he flirts with the danger zone, to stay third and not move further from Real Madrid, leader with nine points lead forever. rival, and Barça, one step away from the reigning champions. The mattresses are on the brink, with a serious risk of also saying goodbye to the League before reaching the World Cup in Qatar.
Seven goals against in the last three games, concentrated in a tragic week, indicate the organization of the team, which defends poorly against its own attack and plays nothing. Their fans, who are tired of being bored every day, have had just three wins in eight home games this season and just one in five recent games. It was the painful 2-1 against Girona.
Llorente returns
Without Koke, due to injury, and Saúl, due to suspension, Simeone will introduce four sides against Porto: Marcos Llorente, back eight games later, with the World Cup already in sight; Kondogbia, who returns to the center of the field axis after the inconvenience in Cádiz; Carrasco, taking up the left wing; and Álvaro Morata, who will play alongside the undisputed Griezmann on the attack. After appearing in Do Dragao with more pain than glory, Joao Félix returns to the couch.
Opposite is an Espanyol that also includes their coach, Diego Martínez, after having won one of the eight previous games. However, the Parakeets were the first visitors in history to win at the Metropolitano (0-2, on May 6, 2018) and they lost last season due to a VAR penalty that Carrasco ended in time. They appear without the injured Rubén Sánchez, Adrià Pedrosa and Gori, but looking for a win that has eluded them since October 16, when they minimally beat Pucela.
Source: La Verdad
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