Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid welcomes Celta Vigo to Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Saturday in a La Liga clash.

After a disappointing loss to Arsenal away from home in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, Atletico shifts their focus back to La Liga and continue their chase for the third spot in the league table.

Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo – Match preview and team news

Atletico Madrid team news

Diego Simeone faces a significant selection headache in attack, as star forward Julian Alvarez has been ruled out after aggravating an ankle injury during the match against Arsenal.

The midfield is also depleted; Johnny Cardoso is confirmed to miss the remainder of the season with a high-grade ankle sprain, while Pablo Barrios and Nicolás González remain sidelined with persistent thigh issues.

Additionally, Giuliano Simeone is considered a major doubt. Consequently, Simeone is expected to lean on Alexander Sorloth to lead the line, supported by a midfield featuring Obed Vargas and Koke.

The Colchoneros will be desperate to secure all three points to solidify their domestic standing despite these mounting fitness concerns.

Celta Vigo team news

Celta Vigo travels to the capital with European ambitions but faces defensive thinning of their own. Manager Claudio Giráldez will be without Javi Rueda, who is serving a suspension after accumulating five yellow cards.

The backline is further weakened by the absence of Carl Starfelt, who remains out with a back injury, and Miguel Román.

There are also significant concerns in the middle of the park, as Matías Vecino is a major doubt due to a muscle injury.

On a positive note, Marcos Alonso is available for selection again after serving his own suspension, providing much-needed experience.

Expect Iago Aspas and Ferran Jutgla to spearhead the attack as Celta looks to exploit an Atlético side that may be physically and emotionally drained from their recent continental efforts.

Form

Atletico Madrid

Atlético Madrid enters round 35 in solid domestic form, having won their last two La Liga matches, including a 2-0 victory over Valencia. Currently 4th with 63 points, they have secured Champions League qualification for next season. Despite a midweek 1-0 loss to Arsenal that ended their European run, their home record remains formidable, with 14 wins from 17 league games at the Metropolitano this season.

Celta Vigo

Celta Vigo sits 6th with 47 points, boosted by a 3-1 victory over Elche in their last outing. This win ended a difficult three-game losing streak in April, including losses to Barcelona and Villarreal. Notably, Claudio Giráldez’s side boasts the division’s third-best away record, having claimed 27 points on the road. They remain in the hunt for a Europa League spot, trailing 5th-placed Real Betis by six points.

Predicted lineups

Atletico Madrid: Musso; Pubill, Le Normand, Lenglet, Molina, Julio Díaz; Mendoza, Koke, Vargas, Almada; Sorloth

Celta Vigo: Radu; J. Rodríguez, Nunez, Y. Lago; Carreira, Ilaix, Fer López, Mingueza; Aspas, Jutgla, Hugo Álvarez

How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo?

UK fans can watch the match live on La Liga TV.

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