Atlético de Madrid has already announced its squad for the duel against UD Levante that will be held at the Ciudad de Valencia. Coach Diego Pablo Simeone presented a lineup that, although solid, includes several surprises compared to previous expectations.
In goal, goalkeeper Jan Oblak remains the starter, supported by substitutes Juan Musso and Salvador Esquivel. In defense, Simeone opts for a formation with Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko and Alejandro Grimaldo, leaving out Cuti Romero, who must remain on the bench despite having been tested in practice this week. Romero's absence is explained by the need to have a player available for the next round of the Champions League.
The midfield consists of Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Morten Hjulmand and Alex Baena. Hjulmand, who is suspended for the match against Bayern Munich after his expulsion in Stuttgart, starts in the pivot position alongside Barrios. This combination had not been seen in recent training sessions, which adds an element of novelty to the team's scheme.
Up front, Simeone decides to place Julián Álvarez alongside Kang-in Lee, the South Korean striker who has surprised the coach with his performance in recent games. The choice of Kang-in instead of Jonathan David, who had been considered a natural option to accompany Álvarez, reflects Simeone's confidence in the Korean player's versatility and potential.
The bench has a wide list of available players: in goal, Musso and Esquivel; in the field, Romero, Le Normand, Jorge Domínguez, Dani Martínez, Obed Vargas, Rodrigo Menzoda, Arnau Ortíz, Alexander Sorloth, Ademola Lookan and Jonathan David. This reserve offers the coach several alternatives to adjust tactics according to the evolution of the match.
With this lineup, Atlético de Madrid prepares to face Levante with a mix of experience and youth, seeking to consolidate its position in the table and advance in the competition. The result of this meeting will be crucial to define the direction of both teams in the season.