Atlético Madrileño is preparing for a high-profile duel against Real Zaragoza, which arrives as leader of the First Federation. The match, scheduled for this Sunday starting at 9:00 p.m. at the Alcalá de Henares Sports City, no longer has tickets available, so fans will have to follow it through television or the Federation channel.
The match will revive the rivalry between both teams, since the last First Division match held at La Romareda was in 2013, when Atlético de Madrid, under the direction of Simeone, beat Real Madrid Castilla 3-1. Since then, the stadium has been the scene of matches between teams from lower categories, but the return of Zaragoza as the top ranked team adds an additional level of expectation.
Atlético Madrileño comes to the competition with the good news that defender Domènech has regained his availability after serving the sanction imposed for his expulsion against Villarreal B. In addition, midfielder Javi Gil will also serve his second suspension, the result of a red card in the same match. The Madrileño coaching staff, led by Fernando Torres, seeks to consolidate its position in the table and take advantage of the opportunity to face a historic rival.
Real Zaragoza, who have spent the last thirteen years in the Second Division and were recently relegated to the First Federation, are presented as the favorites to achieve promotion. Their squad stands out for the incorporation of players such as Ander Herrera, a former youth player who has played for Athletic Club and Manchester United, and Sem Westerveld, son of former goalkeeper Sander Westerveld. Forwards Jaume Jardi and Ureña are the team's main threats, each with three goals on the season.
The Zaragoza coach, Ibai Gómez, has made an announcement that has generated some controversy on social networks. In public statements, Gómez assured that the match will be played “naturally” to avoid surprises during the Pilar Festival, and that the players “are young and have good dynamics.” In addition, he indicated that, in case of victory, the fans could see the players in a match after 3:30, with the coach's permission, and that the match would be played on Tuesday, while on Monday the fans could meet the team. This information has been widely shared by the club's followers and has generated debate among fans.