Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 11, 2024 10:30 pm GMT
Atletico Madrid will aim to extend their unbeaten start to the 2024-25 La Liga season as they face off against struggling Valencia on Sunday at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano. Currently sitting in third place with eight points, Atletico will look to build on their recent form while Valencia, who have only managed a single point from their first four matches, desperately seek their first victory of the campaign.
Current Standings and Form
Atletico Madrid has had a mixed performance in their opening matches this season, boasting two wins and two draws. Their results include a commendable start with:
- A draw against Villarreal
- A 2-0 victory over Girona
- A draw against newly-promoted Espanyol
- A dramatic 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, courtesy of a late goal from Angel Correa
With these results, Atletico remains one of the few unbeaten teams in the league and are only four points behind leaders Barcelona. They also hold a strong defensive record, having secured three consecutive clean sheets and not conceding in the second half of any of their matches. Additionally, Atletico has shown dominance in recent home encounters with Valencia, winning their last two games against them by:
- 3-0 in March 2023
- 2-0 in January 2024
On the other hand, Valencia finds itself in a precarious situation, sitting at the bottom of the league standings. They have yet to secure a win, with their opening four matches yielding:
- Three defeats (against Barcelona, Celta Vigo, and Athletic Bilbao)
- A single draw against Villarreal
This poor start continues from last season, where they ended with only two points from their last seven matches. Their performance, marred by inconsistency, suggests they may struggle to turn the tide against a resolute Atletico side.
Injury and Player Updates
Injuries will play a critical role in the match dynamics. Atletico will be without midfielder Pablo Barrios for the next three weeks due to a muscle injury he sustained while on international duty. Reinildo Mandava is also expected to be assessed for availability after picking up an injury during the break.
However, Raul’s first-choice goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, is expected to return after missing the last match due to illness. Coach Diego Simeone will likely make several changes to the starting lineup, potentially including:
- Cesar Azpilicueta
- Rodrigo De Paul
- Alexander Sorloth
Julian Alvarez may drop to the bench as a result.
Conversely, Valencia’s lineup will also be affected by injuries and disciplinary issues. The club has recently suspended forward Rafa Mir following sexual assault allegations. His absence, coupled with injuries to key players like Jaume Domenech, Mouctar Diakhaby, Hugo Duro, and Jose Gaya, complicates Valencia’s chances of securing a victory. Dani Gomez, despite suffering a broken nose, is set to start in a protective face mask.
Potential Lineups
Atletico Madrid’s likely starting XI includes:
- Goalkeeper: Oblak
- Defenders: Le Normand, Gimenez, Azpilicueta
- Midfielders: Llorente, Koke, De Paul, Lino
- Forwards: Griezmann, Gallagher, Sorloth
Valencia’s probable lineup features:
- Goalkeeper: Mamardashvili
- Defenders: Correia, Mosquera, Tarrega, Vazquez
- Midfielders: Guillamon, Pepelu
- Forwards: Lopez, Almeida, Rioja, Gomez
Match Details
The match is set to take place on Sunday, September 15, 2024, with kickoff scheduled at 8:00 PM BST. Fans in India can follow the action on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 12:30 AM IST. Viewers across various regions can access the game through different platforms:
- UK: Live on La Liga TV and streaming via Viaplay and ITV
- USA: Available on ESPN
- Nigeria: Broadcast on SuperSports and CANAL+
The Stakes Ahead
With both teams at opposite ends of the performance spectrum, Atletico enters the match as heavy favorites. Their home advantage at the Metropolitano, coupled with consistent defensive displays, puts them in a strong position, particularly against a Valencia side that has struggled for cohesion.
For Valencia, the need for a breakthrough victory is crucial. Maintaining morale and confidence in a challenging season ahead will be essential if they are to avoid relegation concerns. The pressure is on manager Ruben Baraja as he seeks to inspire his players to reverse their fortunes.
As the two teams get ready to play, Atletico Madrid wants to stay in the top three of the La Liga standings. At the same time, Valencia is trying to climb out of the bottom and start getting better. This game is sure to be an exciting part of another thrilling La Liga season!
