What to expect from the match against Leganés?
In the match against Leganés, we must expect and secure a mandatory victory. We are now entering an extremely important phase of the season, where we can’t afford many mistakes. Fortunately, during this period between the two international breaks, we have quite suitable matches from which we can accumulate a solid point tally.
The mission of the visitors is clear – they will play for a draw. Leganés have not lost in their last 4 consecutive matches and have moved out of the relegation zone, showing an upward trend in their play. From their perspective, there’s no point in approaching offensively at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, and they will try to replicate what Espanyol did in the third round. What we can expect from their team is a classic 4-2-3-1 formation, an attempt at counterattacks, and looking for chances for Sebastian Heller.
The questions in Atlético’s starting lineup are more significant, especially considering that just days after the match against Leganés, we have the crucial home game against LOSC in the Champions League. It’s unlikely that Simeone will start the match without Griezmann, especially since he has already withdrawn and didn’t join the national team. I expect him to rest most of the South Americans who traveled. But at least in our opinion, while Robin Le Normand is recovering, we can’t afford to start a match without Jose Maria Gimenez. On the other hand, the absence of Marcos Llorente will make Molina's appearance inevitable. On the left, as a wing-back, Simeone faces his biggest dilemma, as the man in form seems to be Javi Galán. Considering the rotations and the game against LOSC, I would bet on a starting lineup of: Oblak - Molina - Witsel - Gimenez - Reinildo - Koke - Barrios - Griezmann - Lino - Sorloth. I expect an offensive approach from Simeone, with a strong left side from which most of the chances will come through Lino and Galán.
Leaving out Conor Gallagher and de Paul would only be for tactical reasons, with the former likely to come on in the second half to bring energy and change the dynamics of the game. As the first offensive substitution upfront, I expect Angel Correa to continue making appearances off the bench. As for Julian Alvarez, I expect him to get significantly fewer minutes to stay fresh for the match against LOSC. As for the match itself, I expect a comfortable 3-0 win with goals from Griezmann, Sorloth, and Correa in the second half.
The mission of the visitors is clear – they will play for a draw. Leganés have not lost in their last 4 consecutive matches and have moved out of the relegation zone, showing an upward trend in their play. From their perspective, there’s no point in approaching offensively at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, and they will try to replicate what Espanyol did in the third round. What we can expect from their team is a classic 4-2-3-1 formation, an attempt at counterattacks, and looking for chances for Sebastian Heller.
The questions in Atlético’s starting lineup are more significant, especially considering that just days after the match against Leganés, we have the crucial home game against LOSC in the Champions League. It’s unlikely that Simeone will start the match without Griezmann, especially since he has already withdrawn and didn’t join the national team. I expect him to rest most of the South Americans who traveled. But at least in our opinion, while Robin Le Normand is recovering, we can’t afford to start a match without Jose Maria Gimenez. On the other hand, the absence of Marcos Llorente will make Molina's appearance inevitable. On the left, as a wing-back, Simeone faces his biggest dilemma, as the man in form seems to be Javi Galán. Considering the rotations and the game against LOSC, I would bet on a starting lineup of: Oblak - Molina - Witsel - Gimenez - Reinildo - Koke - Barrios - Griezmann - Lino - Sorloth. I expect an offensive approach from Simeone, with a strong left side from which most of the chances will come through Lino and Galán.
Leaving out Conor Gallagher and de Paul would only be for tactical reasons, with the former likely to come on in the second half to bring energy and change the dynamics of the game. As the first offensive substitution upfront, I expect Angel Correa to continue making appearances off the bench. As for Julian Alvarez, I expect him to get significantly fewer minutes to stay fresh for the match against LOSC. As for the match itself, I expect a comfortable 3-0 win with goals from Griezmann, Sorloth, and Correa in the second half.
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2026
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