Atletico vs Girona – News and Probable Lineups

Atletico Madrid will strive for back-to-back victories in Spain’s top league as they host Girona, a team still at risk of relegation this season.

Diego Simeone’s team occupies the fourth spot in the La Liga standings, trailing third-placed Villarreal by three points, while Girona sits at 15th, just one point above 18th-positioned Mallorca.

Match overview

Atletico returned to winning form on Tuesday night, edging past Osasuna 2-1, which keeps them in fourth place in the table with 66 points, three points behind Villarreal.

The Red and Whites have only finished outside the top three in Spain’s top division once since the 2011-12 season. This campaign has been disappointing from a domestic standpoint as they have struggled for the title, especially following their Copa del Rey final loss to Real Sociedad.

Atletico has already secured Champions League participation for next season, aiming to conclude their La Liga season with wins against Girona and Villarreal, which could see them seize third place ahead of the Yellow Submarine.

Simeone’s side, who were eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals, has managed to collect 43 points from 18 home league games this season.

Earlier in the season, Atletico triumphed over Girona with a 3-0 win in their previous encounter, and the Red and Whites have now achieved victory in their last four meetings against Sunday’s rivals.

Girona has managed just one win against Atletico previously, a thrilling 4-3 victory at home in January 2024.

Atletico has won seven of the last eight contests against Girona, highlighting the challenge facing the Catalan side as they attempt to avoid relegation threats.

Michel’s team is coming into this match after a 1-1 stalemate with Real Sociedad, leaving them 15th in the standings, just one point clear of the relegation zone.

With only three points separating 13th-placed Osasuna from Levante in 19th, the scenario could shift dramatically after the next gameweek, and Girona remains one of the vulnerable sides, with their season finale against Elche possibly being pivotal.

Remarkably, the White and Reds secured third place in La Liga during the 2023-24 season, but they dropped to 16th in 2024-25 and are now facing the threat of relegation from Spain’s top league.

Atletico Madrid La Liga form:

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Atletico Madrid form (all competitions):

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Girona La Liga form:

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Team News

Atletico is set to be without Jose Gimenez, Nahuel Molina, and Johnny Cardoso due to injuries, while Pablo Barrios, Nico Gonzalez, Julian Alvarez, and Giuliano Simeone will be evaluated prior to kickoff.

Additionally, Marcos Llorente will not be available as he is suspended following a red card received against Osasuna in the previous match.

After his goal coming off the bench against Osasuna, Alexander Sorloth may be included in the starting lineup, along with Alex Baena, who returns after serving a one-match suspension.

On the Girona side, Juan Carlos, Vladyslav Vanat, Portu, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen will miss this fixture due to injury.

Donny van de Beek is making positive strides in his recovery from an Achilles injury, but this match is considered too soon for the former Manchester United midfielder.

Cristhian Stuani has netted twice in his last two outings for Girona, and the 39-year-old could potentially be included in the starting XI on Sunday evening.

Atletico Madrid probable starting XI:

Clouds; Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Mendoza, Vargas; Lookman, Griezmann, Baena; Sorloth

Girona probable starting XI:

Gazzaniga; Martinez, Franças, Reis, Moreno; Witsel, Beltran; Tsygankov, Ounahi, Roca; Stuani

It poses a significant challenge for Girona to secure an away victory at Atletico. While the Red and Whites may not have been in top form, a home win seems likely on Sunday.