Atlético de Madrid will host RCD Mallorca this Sunday at 14:00 in LaLiga EA Sports, with the Madrid side aiming to maintain their pursuit of third place against Villarreal CF. As the season progresses, Atlético’s focus is also on their upcoming Champions League fate against Bodo/Glimt, while Mallorca continues to experience inconsistencies in their performance.
At the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Atlético aims to keep pace with Villarreal, who has taken over their traditional position this season. Under coach Diego Pablo Simeone, Atlético has long been viewed as a consistent contender behind the FC Barcelona and Real Madrid duopoly. Over the past 14 years with Simeone at the helm, the team has secured several national titles. However, this season, chasing the LaLiga trophy looks challenging, particularly as Villarreal tightens its grip on the third place.
For this match, Atlético will have to contend without star player Antoine Griezmann, who sustained a minor muscle injury to his left thigh during training, leaving the team limited in attacking options. The winter transfer market has thus far produced only departures, leaving Atlético in a precarious position with their forward lineup. With Griezmann unavailable, Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sorloth emerge as the primary strikers, although Simeone may consider a tactical shift by incorporating Thiago Almada alongside Álex Baena or Nico González, who is just returning from injury.
Álvarez, known as a hard worker on the pitch, has often been critical in striking, but goals have been sporadic. With the departures of Conor Gallagher and Giacomo Raspadori, there are few resources remaining for Atlético’s attacking play. The midfield anchors remain in the capable hands of Pablo Barrios and Koke Resurrección, while Johnny Cardoso could contribute additional support if needed. Giuliano Simeone, who recently renewed his contract, looks set to continue featuring prominently under his father’s management.
On the other side, Mallorca’s coach Jagoba Arrasate will miss players Antonio Lato, Marash Kumbulla, and Manu Morlanes due to injuries. The team’s focus will be to evaluate the commitment of key forward Vedat Muriqi in light of a potential transfer to Fenerbahçe this winter. With 21 points in the standings, losing Muriqi—who has netted 14 goals this season—would severely impact Mallorca’s chances of avoiding relegation, especially as they navigate a challenging campaign.
For this matchup, expected lineups include:
Atlético de Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; G. Simeone, Cardoso, Barrios, Baena; Julián Álvarez and Sorloth.
RCD Mallorca: Leo Román; Maffeo, Valjent, Raíllo, Mojica; Antonio Sánchez, Samú Costa, Mascarell, Virgili; Darder and Muriqi.
The referee for the match will be Sánchez Martínez from Murcia, and the game will be broadcasted live on Movistar Plus+, Orange Fútbol 1, and Movistar LALIGA, providing fans with an opportunity to witness an exciting clash.