Overview
- Atlético return to LaLiga at the Metropolitano in their first league match of the year, sitting fourth on 38 points with strong home form that includes 22 wins in their past 28 league games there.
- Diego Simeone is set to rest several regulars, with Koke, Julián Álvarez, Álex Baena and Marc Pubill expected to start on the bench, opening opportunities for Thiago Almada and Johnny Cardoso.
- Nico González remains out with a hamstring issue and Clément Lenglet is still unavailable with a knee sprain, while three Atlético Madrileño players have been called up for depth.
- After the departures of Conor Gallagher and Giacomo Raspadori, sporting director Mateu Alemany is working on additions in midfield and attack, though no signings are described as close with about two weeks left in the window.
- Relegation-threatened Alavés have one of LaLiga’s worst away records but plan a proactive approach under Eduardo Coudet, with Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez available and Facundo Garcés still out.