Atlético Madrid begins its 2024–25 Champions League season against one of its toughest opponents, RB Leipzig.
Diego Simeone took Robin Le Normand, Alexander Sørloth and Julian Alvarez to Madrid to build a team capable of competing for the Spanish and European championships. Although Atlético Madrid are still unbeaten in La Liga, Simeone’s indecision regarding his starting striker was evident in the first few games.
In Atlético Madrid’s five La Liga matches, Sørloth has started three times, while Alvarez has started twice. Both strikers have struggled to develop consistency in attack; Sørloth and Alvarez have scored just one goal each.
Simeone faces a key decision ahead of Atlético Madrid’s Champions League opener. Leipzig’s compact, disciplined defence will not provide the Spaniards with many scoring opportunities, meaning the starting number 9 will have to deliver when needed.
This is what Atlético Madrid’s starting eleven against RB Leipzig could look like.
TW: Jan Oblak – Oblak has not conceded a goal since August 19, a streak the goalkeeper hopes to carry into the Champions League.
Central defender: José María Giménez – The Uruguayan will lead Simeone’s defense against Loïs Openda.
Centre-back: Robin Le Normand – Of all Atletico Madrid’s summer signings, Le Normand has made the smoothest transition to his new team. The 27-year-old feels at home alongside Giménez.
Centre-back: César Azpilicueta – The defender will complete Simeone’s three-man defense in his 39th international match for Atletico Madrid.
RWB: Marcos Llorente – Llorente is the team’s most versatile player. No matter where he plays, his build-up play and finishing are outstanding. The Spaniard has already scored two goals and provided one assist in five La Liga appearances.
CM: Rodrigo De Paul – Simeone’s team will have to rely on the Argentine’s physicality and defensive performance against Leipzig’s strong counterattacks.
CM: Koke – With Pablo Barrios out due to a torn muscle in his left leg, Koke will play alongside De Paul for the second game in a row.
CM: Conor Gallagher – The England international just scored his debut goal for Atletico Madrid and is the driving force of the midfield.
LWF: Samuel Lino – The 24-year-old has started every La Liga game this season and will be hoping to score his fourth Champions League goal on Thursday.
ST: Antoine Griezmann – The Frenchman has been Atletico Madrid’s best player so far this season and will be looking to score his third goal in five games.
ST: Julian Alvarez – After finally scoring his first goal for Atletico Madrid at the weekend, Alvarez was probably enough to get the nod alongside Griezmann in place of Alexander Sørloth.
