Atlético de Madrid met at the Majadahonda Sports City last Thursday, October 29, to refine the squad that will face Levante in Valencia. The match, scheduled for Sunday, comes just two days before the duel against Bayern Munich at the Metropolitano, which forces coach Diego Pablo Simeone to balance two highly demanding matches in a very short period of time.
The context of the match against Levante is crucial. Atlético needs three points to maintain the advantage that the victory over Real Madrid at the Camp Nou gave them, reducing the gap with the leader. A defeat at Ciudad de Valencia would not only take away that benefit, but would also leave the team with few options to recover in the Champions League, where the defeat against Liverpool and the draw in Stuttgart have left the club with a delicate position in the standings.
Given the rotation limitations, Simeone has chosen to retain key players such as Koke and Cardoso, who are in the final phase of recovery. In defense, the coach prefers Cuti Romero, who has returned to the center after a muscle injury, and Marcos Llorente in midfield. In the attack, the doubt falls on the participation of Julián and Jonathan David, both with the possibility of sharing the spearhead. The probationary eleven for Levante would include Oblak, Pubill, Romero, Hancko, Grimaldo, Giuliano, Barrios, Llorente, Baena, David and Julián Álvarez.
Simeone has left open the possibility of adjustments in the offensive line, as he has worked with alternatives on the wings and in attack during training. Sorloth, Kang-In Lee and Arnau Ortiz have been seen in trial positions, suggesting that the coach could introduce tactical changes depending on the evolution of the squad and the physical condition of the players.
With the schedule so tight, Atlético de Madrid faces a double challenge: ensure victory against Levante to avoid losing the advantage over Real Madrid and, at the same time, prepare a strategy that allows it to overcome Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Next Sunday will be decisive for the club's position in the league and in European competition, and the team must have optimal performance in both matches to maintain its season objectives.