With the pulse of the season at stake, Atletico Madrid is set to host Athletic Bilbao in a crucial showdown this Saturday. Striving for victory, Diego Simeone's side is poised to solidify their grip on fourth place, which would extend their lead to six points. On the flip side, a defeat would see them slip out of the coveted Champions League spots. Athletic, dubbed as Atletico's "Kryptonite" this season, has already bested the Madrid outfit in their three previous encounters across the league and Copa del Rey.

Atlético's Lineup: Strategic Decisions Amidst Injuries and Suspensions

Simeone's lineup choices suggest a strategic approach to countering Athletic's dominance. Argentine forward Correa is set to partner with Griezmann upfront, despite Álvaro Morata's return to training following a trigeminal neuralgia. With key players like Memphis, Lemar, Gabriel Paulista sidelined due to injuries, and Savic out on a suspension, Atletico's depth is tested. In a defensive conundrum, Hermoso appears to overtake Azpilicueta, teaming up with Giménez and Witsel to fortify the backline. Marcos Llorente marks his return to the right flank after a suspension, deemed essential for his versatility in an area plagued by Athletic's fleet-footed Williams brothers. The midfield engine will consist of Koke, De Paul, and the young Barrios, who are expected to fuel Atletico's pursuit of a redemptive victory.

The Battle for Fourth: Beyond a Single Match

This confrontation transcends the boundaries of a regular match. It's a narrative of redemption against an opponent that has become their unexpected bane, a test of resilience for Simeone’s men in the face of adversity. The result could shape the remainder of their season and their ambitions for European glory. Atletico's home ground becomes the stage where they must dismantle their Kryptonite and assert their Champions League aspirations.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova