Atlético host Betis rematch with fresh faces and renewed hope
After a convincing Copa del Rey victory, Simeone's revamped squad looks to maintain momentum in La Liga against a Betis side desperate for revenge at the Metropolitano.
Just 70 hours after their Copa del Rey showdown in Seville, Atlético Madrid and Real Betis lock horns again in a quick-fire rematch that could cement the Rojiblancos’ dramatic transformation.
New-look Atleti riding high
What a difference a week makes in football, eh? The doom and gloom that shrouded the Metropolitano after that embarrassing Bodø/Glimt defeat seems like ancient history now. The transfer window slammed shut with Atleti nabbing some proper talent - Lookman, Mendoza and young Obed Vargas all joining the ranks.
But it was the Nigerian’s stunning debut against these same Betis opponents in the cup that’s got the Atlético faithful believing again. The collective performance in that match has breathed new life into Simeone’s project just when they needed it most.
The gaffer himself has been rallying the troops and calling for fan support as they enter a crucial month in their season. With knockout football looming large in both the Copa and Champions League, they can’t afford to take their eye off the ball in La Liga.
League position at stake
After dropping points against Levante, Atleti watched Barcelona and Real Madrid disappear further into the distance. Three points on Sunday are absolutely essential if they’re to have any chance of staying in the title conversation.
Simeone will need to work his magic in midfield, with Barrios the most notable absentee. The good news is that both Sorloth and Julián return after missing the cup tie.
Betis’ Metropolitano nightmare
The Verdiblancos must be sick of the sight of Atlético’s home ground. It’s one of the few top-flight stadiums where they’ve never tasted victory - just a solitary draw nearly a decade ago and a collection of defeats since.
To make matters worse, they’re facing the same team that just thumped them in the cup in front of 66,000 spectators at La Cartuja. Talk about a psychological mountain to climb.
Selection headaches for Pellegrini
The Chilean tactician barely has time to lick his wounds, let alone fix the numerous errors from Thursday’s hammering. His squad problems are mounting too - no injured players returning and now Chimy Ávila unavailable as well.
With Bakambu as the only senior striker available, academy product Rodrigo Marina gets the call-up. Pellegrini is considering both personnel and tactical changes to avoid another embarrassment:
- Rotation between the sticks looks certain
- Natan should return to the defence
- Altimira could get his chance
- New signing Fidalgo might make his first start
For Betis, this is about pride restoration. For Atlético, it’s about confirming their transformation is the real deal.