Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club – Match preview and team news
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club – Match preview and team news Atletico Madrid continues their La Liga journey on Saturday as they welcome Athletic Club to Riyadh Air Metropolitano for their next fixture. While still in the top four with 57 points from 32 matches, seven ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis, Diego Simeone’s men are struggling with four consecutive losses in the league, their longest losing run since 2021. Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club – Match preview and team news Date: Saturday, 25th April.
Kick-off: 8pm BST. Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid. Atletico Madrid team news Diego Simeone faces a challenging selection period as his squad battles several injuries and a crucial suspension.
Thiago Almada is unavailable after receiving a red card during the midweek clash against Elche. Defensively, the Colchoneros are thin; José María Giménez remains sidelined with a persistent muscle injury, while Dávid Hancko is a major doubt despite returning to light training. In attack, Ademola Lookman is ruled out with an adductor strain, though there is optimism he could return for the upcoming Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.
On a more positive note, Jan Oblak and Pablo Barrios have both returned to the pitch, providing much-needed stability. With European commitments looming, Simeone may lean on squad rotation, potentially handing starts to Giuliano Simeone to manage the physical workload of his key starters. Athletic Club team news Ernesto Valverde’s side travels to the Metropolitano with several key fitness concerns following a bruising victory over Osasuna.
The midfield will be missing Mikel Jauregizar, who serves a suspension after his recent dismissal. Long-term, the Lions remain without Beñat Prados, who is out with a cruciate ligament injury. The defensive unit is under the most scrutiny; Yuri Berchiche and centre-back Aymeric Laporte are both facing late fitness tests after being substituted early mid-week due to breathing difficulties and hamstring tightness, respectively.