Atlético de Madrid has completed its first recovery session after the intense day of the Champions League against Manchester United, preparing for next Saturday against Espanyol. The training, directed by Diego Simeone, was divided into two groups to meet the different physical and tactical needs of the players.
In the first phase, the starters who participated in the Champions League performed gentler work, followed by a session in the gym to ensure proper muscle recovery. Among those absent was Johnny Cardoso, who was left out due to an unspecified illness. On the other hand, Koke, who had been working out at the gym, remained on the sidelines of the main group as he emotionally recovered following the recent death of his mother.
The second group was made up of the substitutes who, after a brief activation, played a game against the third colchonero team. In that mini match, a possible lineup for the match with Espanyol was shown: Musso in goal, Pubill, Domínguez, Le Normand and Dani Martínez in defense; Hjulmand and Mendoza in the double pivot; Arnau Ortiz on the right wing and Lookman on the left; Jonathan David and Sorloth forming the lead. Although these players are not expected to start the game against Espanyol in Cornellà, some could be given a rest to the starters from the last game.
Simeone has made it clear that the next training session will be crucial to define the tactical plans and the final lineup. Players who could start include Pubill, Hjulmand or Jonathan David, depending on the strategy the coach chooses. With just one more training session before the match, Atlético seeks to consolidate its physical and tactical preparation to face Espanyol and continue advancing in its competitions.