Diego Simeone has lauded Antoine Griezmann's continued influence on Atletico Madrid and hopes he can be a "game-changer" against Alaves.

Griezmann has scored six goals in LaLiga this season, with all of those coming as a substitute.

The Frenchman started Atletico's 1-0 win over Deportivo de la Coruna in midweek, though, securing their passage to the quarter-finals with a stunning free-kick.

Atleti are on a three-match unbeaten streak in the league (W2 D1), and if they are to extend that run, Simeone believes Griezmann will play his part.

"What more can I say? It's about adding to the reality and the present," Simeone said of Griezmann.

"He's always a game-changer, with a different level of quality than the rest; talent never fades. We need him.

"How much? It depends on how much the team gives him, the needs that the coach sees in this case, and what he can contribute. 

"Because when he's playing well, he always brings important things to the team."

Atletico are fourth in LaLiga, already 11 points behind leaders Barcelona, having played half of their games.

They face Alaves, who sit 16th and have just a two-point cushion to the relegation zone, though that could change by the time they kick off on Sunday.

Simeone has not lost any of his six LaLiga encounters against Eduardo Coudet (W3 D3), but the Argentine has urged the home fans at the Metropolitano to do their bit in urging the team towards a win this weekend.

"I take it one game at a time, trying to focus on [Sunday's] opponent with maximum concentration, and from there, we'll focus solely on the match," he added.

"It's a match where we can be back with our fans, who we haven't seen for a month. We need everyone's support; we're eager to play a good game."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Atletico Madrid – Julian Alvarez

Alvarez has failed to score in any of his last eight LaLiga matches, his longest league run without a goal since April 2024, with Manchester City in the Premier League (10 games).

Despite that, Alvarez is still Atletico's top scorer in the competition, having netted seven goals this term.

Alaves – Lucas Boye

Boye has scored four goals in his last nine LaLiga games, one more than he managed in his previous 31 appearances in the competition (three).

MATCH PREDICTION: ATLETICO MADRID WIN

Atletico have drawn their last two LaLiga matches against Alaves, both at Mendizorroza (0-0 in May and 1-1 in August), and they have never recorded three consecutive draws against the Vitoria side in the history of the competition.

But Atleti have won each of their last seven home games against Alaves in LaLiga, their longest winning streak against them on home turf in their top-flight history.

Alaves, meanwhile, have won just one of their 14 away league games against Atletico (D2 L11), with that sole victory being the only time they have kept a clean sheet there (1-0 in May 2003).

Atletico have also won their last eight LaLiga matches at the Metropolitano, their best home winning streak in the competition since December 2023 (17), when the Rojiblancos set their longest home winning run in the competition's history.

And Alaves have not won any of their last four LaLiga matches (D1 L3), their worst winless run in the competition since January to March 2025 (P6 D3 L3).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Atletico Madrid – 66.8%

Draw – 19.1%

Alaves – 14.1%