Girona vs Atleti: Crucial Year-End Clash at Montilivi
Struggling Girona welcome Atlético Madrid in a vital La Liga fixture with both sides desperate to end 2025 on a high amid injury concerns and contrasting fortunes.
Simeone’s Men Target Final Three Points of 2025 Against Relegation-Threatened Girona
Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid travel to Catalonia this Sunday for what promises to be a proper Christmas cracker against Míchel’s struggling Girona side.
Match Details
The fixture kicks off at 14:00 local time on Sunday, December 21st at Estadio Montilivi, with both teams desperate to end 2025 on a positive note.
Tale of Two Seasons
What a difference a year makes in football, eh? Girona’s fairytale has turned into a bit of a nightmare this term:
- Girona sit 18th with just 15 points, desperately fighting to escape the drop zone
- Atlético occupy 4th spot with 34 points, keeping pace in the European places
Both sides managed wins in their previous outings - Girona pulling off a comeback victory at Real Sociedad while Atleti dispatched Valencia at the Metropolitano.
Injury Concerns
The treatment rooms at both clubs are busier than Oxford Street at Christmas. Míchel’s squad is particularly decimated with David López, Van de Beek, Krapyvtsov, Portu, Abel and Stuani all sidelined. Ounahi is away on international duty to compound their woes.
The visitors aren’t exactly at full strength either. El Cholo will have to make do without Giménez, Baena and Lenglet, though there’s positive news with Llorente and Sorloth returning to the fold.
What’s at Stake?
For Girona, this is about survival. After their remarkable 2023-24 campaign, they’ve come crashing back down to earth faster than a dodgy Christmas tree. Three points would be the perfect gift for their supporters.
Atlético, meanwhile, need to keep the pressure on those above them. They’ve been solid if unspectacular this season - typical Simeone if we’re honest - but they can’t afford any slip-ups if they want to stay in touch with the league’s pacesetters.
Viewing Information
Spanish viewers can catch all the action live on Movistar LaLiga, with radio coverage available on Radio MARCA. The pre-match build-up begins two hours before kick-off, with post-match analysis, highlights and interviews to follow.
With both teams having something to prove and desperately needing the points for very different reasons, this could be one of the most intriguing fixtures of the weekend. Don’t be surprised if there’s a bit of Christmas needle in this one!