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Julián Álvarez celebrates a goal with Atletico against Bayer Leverkusen. EP
Atletico Makes a Stop in Salzburg on the Way to the Last 16

Atletico Makes a Stop in Salzburg on the Way to the Last 16

Cholo's team depends on itself to avoid the dreaded 'playoff', but must win in Mozart's romantic city to secure a spot in the 'top 8'.

Ignacio Tylko

Madrid

Martes, 28 de enero 2025, 17:55

After winning their last four Champions League matches and securing at least a place among the top 16, Atletico now demands a victory this Wednesday at the home of the already eliminated weak Salzburg to finish the group stage in the 'top 8' and thus avoid the uncomfortable and dangerous round of 32 'playoff'. A draw should also suffice for the 'colchoneros', but it guarantees nothing.

It seemed impossible for Simeone's team to reach this stage in such an advantageous position after being thrashed in Da Luz against Benfica and falling at the Metropolitano against Lille, but the storm calmed with the prestigious and fortunate victory at the Paris Saint-Germain's ground, and the horizon cleared with subsequent triumphs against Sparta Prague, Slovan Bratislava, and especially last week's epic comeback against Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen despite playing with one less man for an hour due to Pablo Barrios' expulsion.

Nothing like depending on oneself at this point in the novel top continental competition. The calculations are clear. A triumph in Mozart's city would allow Atletico to match the best continental winning streak of the Cholo era and guarantees at least sixth place. They would be fifth if Milan does not win by two goals or more in their visit to Zagreb, fourth if Arsenal does not beat Girona or Inter does not beat Monaco, and third if all those conditions occur simultaneously. A draw against the Austrian champion would suffice if five of their eight pursuers do not win their respective matches. Atletico could even secure a direct ticket to the last 16 by losing, although in that case, their options are reduced to eight of the 13 rivals below them not winning in the standings.

Barrios and Javi Galán, absent

With the confirmed absences of Barrios and Javi Galán, likely replaced by Koke and Samu Lino respectively, Simeone is working more on the mental aspect. The key is to ensure that the setbacks in Europe do not take a toll on his soldiers, following the Butarque setback and the stumble against Villarreal, which saw them drop from the top of La Liga to second place, four points behind Real Madrid and only three ahead of Barça. Although Sorloth is now available, he is a usual substitute, and it seems Simeone will rely on the offensive duo of Griezmann and Julián Álvarez, who have already scored 38 goals this season, 16 by the Argentine and 12 by the Frenchman. The 'Little Prince' rested initially against Villarreal and has gone four matches without scoring, but the 'Spider' was the hero with his brace against Leverkusen and has scored five goals in his last three Champions League matches.

The adventure did not start well, as the flight had to be delayed until the afternoon and train earlier in Majadahonda due to strong winds. For Salzburg, it is mainly a matter of honour and prestige. They are enduring a disastrous season, as they are even fifth in the weak Austrian Bundesliga, having recently received a thrashing at the Santiago Bernabéu and in their last home Champions League match, they suffered another setback against PSG (0-3). They are very weak in the areas, with only four goals scored and 23 conceded, only below Slovan Bratislava. The Central Europeans have only managed to beat Feyenoord in De Kuyp.

Probable line-ups:

Salzburg: Schlager, Dedic, Baidoo, Blank, Terzic, Yeo, Capaldo, Bidstrup, Gloukh, Daghim, and Nene.

Atletico: Oblak, Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Azpilicueta, Giuliano, De Paul, Koke, Lino, Griezmann, and Julián Alvarez.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (England).

Stadium: Red Bull Arena.

TV: 21:00 h. Red Bull Arena.

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todoalicante Atletico Makes a Stop in Salzburg on the Way to the Last 16