Atletico Madrid vs Almeria

Metropolitano Stadium forms the backdrop for a lopsided La Liga encounter between Atletico Madrid and Almeria.

Atletico Madrid’s imperious run of five consecutive wins across all competitions ended abruptly at the hands of Barcelona last weekend (0-1), throwing a spanner in their bid to mount a genuine La Liga title challenge. Cut seven points adrift of pacesetters Real Madrid, albeit with a game in hand, ‘Los Colchoneros’ are still alive in the title picture, especially with their chance of redemption taking place at the Metropolitano Stadium. Long-serving manager Diego Simeone has rebuilt Atletico’s home fortress, with his start heading into this round as one of three clubs across Europe’s top-five leagues to boast a 100% win ratio in home league fixtures in 2023/24 (W7). In doing so, they’ve banged in 17 goals at an average of 2.42 per game, playing down Simeone’s tag as a defensive-minded coach.

If Almeria’s early struggles upon their top-flight return are anything to go by, Antoine Griezmann & Co could have a field day here. The troubled visitors come into this round as the only La Liga side yet to taste success this season, suffering a staggering 11 defeats in the opening 15 matchdays (D4). Nailed to the bottom of the standings as the division’s worst defensive side with 37 goals conceded, Gaizka Garitano’s men look doomed before the kick-off. Damage limitation will be at the forefront of Almeria’s minds after losing their last three La Liga visits to Atletico via a combined score of 9-3. It’s easier said than done, with ‘Los Rojiblancos’ losing on six successive league travels since a 1-1 draw at perennial bottom-half strugglers Cadiz in August.