Atletico Madrid Vs Valencia: Atleti Breaks Negative Trends At Wanda Metropolitano

JAKARTA - Atletico Madrid tried to break a negative trend when they returned to La Liga by hosting Valencia on Saturday night, December 13. After two consecutive league defeats, Diego Simeone's side are now in fourth place in the standings, nine points behind Barcelona. On the other hand, Valencia came with a heavy load, being ranked 16th and only three points away from the relegation zone.

Atletico actually had time to advance with seven consecutive wins before falling 3-1 in Barcelona's hands. The downward trend continued as they lost 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao, making the chance to win further away. But a 3-2 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League in the middle of the week gave important moral injections, while keeping them in the top eight of the overall standings of the European competition.

Atletico's home strength this season has become the main capital. They won 22 points from eight matches at the Wanda Metropolitano, the third best record in La Liga. Valencia actually had a sad away record, only collecting three points from seven matches. Last season, Atletico won the homeaway over Valencia with an identical score of 3-0, even though in September 2023 they lost 3-0 at Mestala.

For Valencia, this duel was tough. Since February 2011, they have never won at Atletico's headquarters. Their performance this season is also far from consistent. Despite being in 16th position, Los Che have only lost once to the last seven matches in all competitions and are unbeaten in the last five matches.

They drew in a row against Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano, and Sevilla, and won over Levante. But their away productivity was very low: just four goals from seven games.

Atletico is still without Marcos Llorente and Jose Gimenez who are injured. Alex Baena is doubtful, but Clement Lenglet can return after a light muscle problem. Thiago Almada has the opportunity to enter the starting XI, while Alexander Sorloth almost certainly maintains his place after appearing impressive against PSV.

Valencia lost Cesar Tarrega to suspension, while Mouctar Diakhaby has recovered from a hamstring injury and has the potential to occupy the bench. Hugo Duro, who scored five league goals, remains the main focus on the front lines. Diego Lopez is likely to start again to strengthen the attacking sector.

Valencia is in a positive trend, but Atletico's poor away record and solidity at home make this match lean towards the hosts. Simeone has a better balance in each line and is usually effective in reducing the opponent's attack on Wanda Metropolitano.

This match is Atletico's opportunity to get back tight at the top, while Valencia must look for ways to get out of the pressure so it doesn't get closer to the red zone.

Estimates of the Lineup of Players Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Molina, PubILL, Lenglet, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Almada; Alvarez, Sorloth.Valencia: Agirezabala; Foulquier, Copete, Comert; Correia, Almeida, Pepelu, Gaya; Lopez, Duro, Rioja.

Score prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Valencia.