Atletico Madrid endeavors to fortify their position within the top four of the La Liga standings as they embark on a visit to Cadiz, who are currently contending with relegation concerns, on Saturday afternoon.
Diego Simeone’s team currently occupies the fourth position in the league, maintaining a five-point lead over fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao. Meanwhile, Cadiz finds themselves positioned in 18th place, trailing 17th-placed Celta Vigo by five points.
Match preview
Cadiz remains entrenched in the struggle for survival within Spain’s premier football league, yet the team, known as the Yellow Submarine, must be vigilant to prevent the widening of the gap to the 17th position as the current campaign progresses.
Undeniably, the season has proven arduous for the club, as evidenced by their record of two victories, 13 draws, and 12 losses from 27 encounters, amassing a total of 19 points which places them in the 18th position. This leaves them trailing five points behind Celta Vigo, who occupy the 17th position, with 11 matches remaining.
Under the management of Mauricio Pellegrino, Cadiz enters the forthcoming fixture following a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano. Despite Florian Lejeune’s 78th-minute goal seemingly securing victory for the capital side, a late equalizer from Javi Hernandez in the 91st minute denied them the win.
The team from Andalusia, who have not tasted victory in La Liga since September, have garnered 13 of their 19 points this season while playing at home, enduring just four defeats in front of their supporters throughout the 2023-24 season.
Cadiz clinched a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in their last meeting, but Simeone’s squad emerged triumphant with a 3-2 scoreline when they clashed at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in October.
Atletico faced significant disappointment in the Copa del Rey last month, suffering a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals. Additionally, they face a deficit in their last-16 Champions League tie against Inter Milan, trailing 1-0 ahead of the second leg next week.
However, Atletico demonstrated resilience in the league last weekend by securing a 2-1 victory over Real Betis at the Wanda Metropolitano, elevating their points tally to 55 from 27 La Liga matches this season.
Presently occupying the fourth position in the table, Atletico sits five points ahead of Athletic Bilbao in fifth place, with a three-point gap separating them from Barcelona in third and a four-point gap from Girona in second.
While a title challenge seems improbable at this juncture, given their 11-point deficit to league leaders Real Madrid, Atletico remains poised to vie for the runner-up position in the table.
Notably, Atletico boasts the best home record in La Liga this season. However, their away form has been inconsistent, accruing only 15 points from 13 matches, with just four wins. Moreover, all six of their league defeats this season have occurred away from home.
Team News
Cadiz’s squad for the upcoming match on Saturday will be diminished by the absence of four players due to injuries. Fali, Fede San Emeterio, Luis Hernandez, and Roger Marti will be unavailable for selection. Additionally, Joseba Zaldua and Jose Mari will undergo late fitness assessments. However, the team did not encounter any new injury or suspension concerns following their recent match against Rayo.
Head coach Pellegrino may consider making only one alteration to the lineup compared to the previous match, with the potential inclusion of Sergi Guardiola in the attacking third.
In contrast, Atletico Madrid will face notable absences for their weekend fixture. Antoine Griezmann, Jose Gimenez, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Thomas Lemar are sidelined due to injury issues. Furthermore, Pablo Barrios will undergo a late fitness evaluation for a muscular ailment.
Head coach Simeone might contemplate introducing two changes to the starting lineup, with Saul Niguez poised to replace Barrios. Additionally, Angel Correa, who remained on the bench during the last match, could feature in the attacking third alongside Alvaro Morata, potentially leading to Memphis Depay being relegated to a substitute role.
Cadiz possible starting lineup:
Ledesma; Carcelen, Mere, Chust, J Hernandez; Sobrino, Alcaraz, Kouame, Navarro; Juanmi, Guardiola
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:
Oblak; Witsel, Gabriel, Hermoso; Llorente, De Paul, Koke, Saul, Lino; Morata, Correa