Atlético de Madrid vs Alavés

Atlético de Madrid makes its home debut at the Civitas Metropolitano in 2026 with a match brimming with tension and urgency. Their opponent will be Deportivo Alavés this Sunday at 4:15 PM, in a LaLiga EA Sports fixture where both teams have no room for error. Although for different reasons, Atlético and Alavés share the same key word: urgency.

Diego Simeone ‘s team begins the matchday 11 points behind league leaders FC Barcelona , with Villarreal CF ahead in the standings. The Yellow Submarine finished the first half of the season three points ahead of Atlético and, moreover, with a game in hand. This situation leaves the Rojiblancos practically out of the title race, a reality that forces them to redefine their objectives.

The minimum objective: to secure Champions League qualification

Beyond the dream of winning the championship, Atlético de Madrid’s immediate priority is securing a place in next season’s Champions League . This objective, while important, may prove insufficient considering the significant investment made over the last two seasons. In retrospect, this planning has raised more questions than it has answered.

The examples are clear. Signings like Giacomo Raspadori , who arrived just four months ago, or Conor Gallagher , who joined only a season and a half ago, haven’t quite clicked into a coherent system. Added to this are the recent departures of Javi Galán and Carlos Martín , which have reduced the first-team squad to just 20 players .

This situation forces the club to be active in the winter transfer window , where Mateu Alemany ‘s role will be crucial. Although a significant financial boost isn’t expected during this window, it will offer a glimpse into Atlético’s future ambitions under the financial backing of Apollo Sports . Until then, Simeone will have to rely on the youth academy to fill squads and manage squad rotation.

Simeone, between rotations and injuries

For this match against Alavés, the Argentine coach will be without the injured Clément Lenglet and Nico González , who, although training with the group, still needs a few more days to return to full fitness. Furthermore, the upcoming Champions League fixture against Galatasaray —key to securing a place among the top eight and avoiding a playoff round—opens the door to possible squad rotation.

Players like José María Giménez , Johnny Cardoso , Thiago Almada , and Antoine Griezmann could have their workload managed. Meanwhile, players like Pubill , Baena , Koke , and Julián Álvarez could start on the bench. The Argentine striker deserves special attention, as he is currently experiencing his longest goal drought since joining Atlético.

The Metropolitano, a great red and white fortress

If there’s one factor that inspires optimism on the home side, it’s the setting. Atlético de Madrid are back playing in the stadium where they feel strongest. Eleven consecutive home wins , eight of them in LaLiga, stand in stark contrast to their struggles away from home, where they’ve only managed 13 out of a possible 30 points .

The Metropolitano has become a fortress, and Simeone is confident that this momentum will be enough to overcome a desperate but dangerous opponent.

Alavés against history and relegation

Deportivo Alavés , managed by Eduardo Coudet , arrives in Madrid with their backs against the wall. The Basque team starts the matchday just two points above the relegation zone , with a slightly better feeling than their recent results. However, their away form is worrying.

Alavés have suffered six consecutive away defeats and have only managed one away win all season, precisely at San Mamés against Athletic Club in the fourth round of matches. Furthermore, the Vitoria-based side will have to contend with a negative historical statistic: they have always lost their visits to the Metropolitano .

In terms of absences, Coudet maintains the forced absence of Facundo Garcés and has decided not to count on Nikola Maras , Moussa Diarra or Mariano Díaz .

A match with much more than three points

Thus, Atlético de Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés promises to be a high-stakes clash. For Atlético, a win is essential to avoid jeopardizing their European aspirations. For Alavés, points could make all the difference in their fight to avoid relegation. The Metropolitano Stadium will be the stage for a decisive match where pressure will be as prominent as the football itself.