Diego Simeone’s revamped Atlético Madrid squad is set to kick off their preseason campaign on Sunday against FC Porto at Estádio do Dragão following a busy transfer period. Last month, Atlético completed a total of six incoming and eight outgoing transfers, highlighted by defender Santiago Mouriño’s significant move to Villarreal for €11 million.
The new recruits have been actively integrated into the team’s preseason training, beginning with a “boot camp” in Segovia before returning to their facility in Majadahonda. Three of these players—Matteo Ruggeri, Álex Baena, and Johnny Cardoso—are expected to start the friendly match, showcasing their quick adaptation to Simeone’s plans.
In the recent training session, Simeone employed a 4-3-2-1/4-3-3 formation that prominently featured Ruggeri at left-back, Baena in a left-sided central midfield role, and Johnny as a holding midfielder. Both Baena and Johnny quickly established themselves as key players due to their talents and the team’s pressing needs, with Ruggeri seemingly winning the left-back position over Javi Galán.
The defensive lineup should see Clément Lenglet and Robin Le Normand maintain their positions as regular starters, particularly as David Hancko is still adjusting and José Giménez is recovering from a muscle injury.
Simeone has also tested a forward line consisting of Julián Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone flanking Alexander Sørloth, not only aiming for match fitness but also to preview his strategies for the upcoming season. Alvarez is anticipated to play a central role as the primary striker as competitive play approaches.
This match marks Atlético’s first encounter with the Portuguese champions since a 2-1 defeat during the UEFA Champions League group stage in November 2022. Historically, Atlético has faced Porto in six previous visits, with two victories, one of which was a notable 3-1 win during the 2021/22 group stage.
The friendly will also serve as a tribute to the late Diogo Jota, who had ties to both clubs, as well as an opportunistic match for Samu Aghehowa, sold to Porto last summer, who is now on a promising trajectory after an impressive season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CEST, 7:00 p.m. BST, 2:00 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action via fuboTV, Fox Sports, and various streaming platforms in the United States.
This exciting match not only symbolizes the unveiling of Atlético’s new season tactics but also presents a chance for fans to see how the new players settle into the squad, providing hope for a successful campaign ahead.