Image Source: Club Atlético de Madrid
Atletico Madrid finds itself in a pivotal moment this week as they prepare to take on two crucial derbies in La Liga. The first challenge comes against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, a match that Diego Simeone’s team desperately needs to win. With the title race growing tighter, these encounters could make or break Atletico’s aspirations this season.
After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Mallorca, Atletico now sits nine points behind their fierce rivals, Real Madrid. With Real Madrid playing Levante the same week, the gap could potentially widen to a daunting 12 points before they face Atletico again on Saturday. Thus, winning both derby matches this week is not just a goal, it’s a necessity for Atletico’s title hopes.
The High Stakes of These Derbies for Atletico Madrid
Both encounters hold immense significance. A poor performance could see Atletico’s hopes for the La Liga title diminish early in the season. The stakes couldn’t be higher: fail to secure the six points up for grabs, and the team may find itself out of contention before the month of September ends.
Atletico’s squad has faced challenges lately. Striker Alexander Sorloth will be absent for the match against Rayo Vallecano due to a red card received in their last outing against Mallorca. Additionally, there’s concern over forward Julian Alvarez, who has yet to find the back of the net since the opening match of the season. This means that Atletico will need to find other ways to capitalize on scoring opportunities if they hope to triumph in these critical matches.
Upcoming Fixtures – A Test of Resilience
The midweek fixture kicking off the double-header is already set to be competitive. Atletico’s first test will be against Rayo Vallecano, but their upcoming home match against Real Madrid looms over them, adding pressure to secure a positive result. Wednesday’s other La Liga fixtures include Getafe hosting Alaves, both teams looking to bounce back from disappointing weekend performances.
- Getafe, returning from a loss against Barcelona, is expected to adopt a more robust strategy at home.
- Alaves aims to tighten its midfield after suffering a home defeat against Sevilla.
- At the bottom of the table, a clash between Real Sociedad and Mallorca could prove critical for both teams seeking their first wins of the season.
Key players to watch in these matches include Mikel Oyarzabal for Sociedad and Vedat Muriqi for Mallorca, both of whom will be looking to inspire their teams under pressure.
Implications for the Season Ahead
As Atletico Madrid embarks on this challenging week, one can’t help but draw attention to the importance of these derbies. With title hopes on the line, nothing less than victory can sustain momentum in La Liga. The spotlight is brightly shining on Simeone and his squad as they navigate a critical juncture in their campaign.
With fans eagerly awaiting the outcomes of these closely contested matches, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Can Atletico Madrid rise to the occasion and reclaim their position in the title race? The answers lie just a few matches away, and the team will need all the support they can get along the way.
FAQ
What is the significance of Atletico Madrid’s upcoming derbies?
The upcoming derbies are crucial for Atletico Madrid’s title hopes, as a loss could widen the gap between them and the leaders, Real Madrid.
Who is not playing for Atletico Madrid in the derby against Rayo Vallecano?
Striker Alexander Sorloth will miss the game due to a red card received in their last match.
What other matches are occurring in La Liga this week?
Getafe will host Alaves, and Real Sociedad faces Mallorca, both seeking their first wins this season.
How has Atletico Madrid performed recently in La Liga?
Atletico Madrid has faced a challenging start to the season, including a draw that left them nine points behind Real Madrid.
What can fans expect from this week’s matches?
Fans can expect intense competition, with both matches being crucial for Atletico’s hopes in La Liga.
