Simeone criticizes LaLiga as Atlético Madrid take on Las Palmas

Atlético de Madrid are looking to get back on track in LaLiga and cement their place in the top four with three points against Las Palmas on Sunday afternoon.

Atlético Madrid (5-5-1, 20 points) will be looking for just their third win from their last eight games in a rare early kick-off, with a Copa del Rey opening round victory over UE Vic in midweek doing little to help the to allay concerns about the competitiveness and identity of the Atlético team.

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Las Palmas (2-3-6, 9 points) could be the salvation the Rojiblancos are looking for. Atlético have won their last four home games against this opponent – including a 5-0 defeat in February. However, under new coach Diego Martínez, Los Amarillos have won consecutive games as they attempt to escape the relegation places; Concerns remain over their defense, which has scored 19 goals so far.

“We have a tough game ahead of us (on Sunday), against a team that has improved a lot since the new coach arrived. They are more energetic and I can imagine it will be a difficult game with a lot of counterattacks,” Simeone told reporters on Saturday. “We will try to keep these situations under control during the game and try to secure victory with the help of our fans, which is crucial.”

Simeone received some positive news on the injury front this week with Pablo Barrios and Clément Lenglet returning to training; Both players are ready to start on Sunday. Josema Giménez is expected to return to the eleven after an injury scare in Friday training, while Giuliano Simeone will retain his place at right full-back/right winger after an impressive performance against Vic. Alexander Sørloth is likely to return to the bench as El Cholo plan to position Antoine Griezmann and Julián Alvarez up front.

In other injury news, Marcos Llorente is moving closer to his return and Robin Le Normand is accelerating his recovery from a subdural hematoma suffered in the September derby against Real Madrid. But despite all the football talk, the Valencia region continues to struggle with the effects of devastating flash floods that have killed more than 200 people since Tuesday; Football continues anyway, and LaLiga has opted to postpone Villarreal-Rayo Vallecano and Valencia-Real Madrid.

“It makes no sense to play this weekend,” said Simeone. “It's very hard to see everything that's happening (in Valencia), but it excites me to see the solidarity and how people help, be it with a shovel or whatever they have. It speaks very well of Spain and its people, we want to help where we can. There are people who are having a very hard time, it’s very sad, but (the league) tells us to keep going and here we are.”

Date November 3, 2024

Location Riyadh Air Metropolitano

Kick-off time 1:00 p.m. CET, 12:00 p.m. GMT, 8:00 a.m. ET, 5:00 a.m. PT

Available TV/Streaming ESPN+ (USA), Movistar+ (Spain)