The lineups

Atlético de Madrid begin their LaLiga campaign this Wednesday with a clash against Málaga at the Metropolitano. Diego Simeone’s team enters the opener still in the middle of its preparation process, while the Andalusian side celebrates its long-awaited return to the top flight.

One of the major absences will be Julián Álvarez. The Argentine forward has only completed eight days of preseason and is not yet at the necessary fitness level to compete. Simeone has spoken about building a team around the striker, whose future has generated speculation in recent weeks, although the club maintains that he will stay.

Atlético Begin a New Era Without Griezmann

The Rojiblancos begin a different season following the departure of Antoine Griezmann, the club’s all-time leading scorer. Interestingly, the Frenchman scored the only goal during Málaga’s first visit to the Metropolitano, when the stadium opened in September 2017.

In addition to Julián Álvarez, players such as Álex Baena, Marcos Llorente and Cuti Romero joined preseason preparations late. Other players, including Marc Pubill, Giuliano Simeone, Kang-in Lee, Alejandro Grimaldo and Pablo Barrios, also enter the opener with limited minutes under their belts.

Málaga Return to LaLiga After Nine Years

Málaga return to the top flight after securing promotion with a project heavily focused on young players. Their main objective will be to avoid relegation, although they will begin their campaign with several absences.

Juanfran Funes will be without Fernando Calero, Diego Murillo, Moussa Diarra, Juanpe Jiménez, Aaron Ochoa and Adrián Niño. Carlos Dotor, meanwhile, will be available, although he is expected to start on the bench.

Probable Lineups

Atlético de Madrid: Oblak; Giuliano Simeone or Carlos Martín, Domínguez, Le Normand, Hancko, Grimaldo; Barrios, Koke, Mendoza or Cardoso; Lookman and Arnau Ortiz or Kang-in Lee.

Málaga: Alfonso Herrero; Puga, Recio, Einar Galilea, Salinas; Larrubia, Rafa Rodríguez, Izan Merino, Joaquín; Dani Lorenzo and Chupete.

Time: 3 PM ET
Stadium: Metropolitano, Madrid
Referee: Adrián Cordero

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