Atlético de Madrid’s possible starting lineup for Saturday’s LaLiga match against Athletic Club points to a familiar core under Diego Simeone. Sports Illustrated projected the team after Atlético’s 3-1 win over Sevilla, a result that kept momentum moving in the right direction ahead of a matchup that could matter near the top of the table.
How Atlético de Madrid could line up
The projected XI includes Jan Oblak in goal, with Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Dávid Hancko and Alejandro Grimaldo among the names expected to form the defensive structure. In attack, Giuliano Simeone and Álex Baena are part of the setup, giving Atlético de Madrid a blend of familiarity and forward threat for this Saturday’s meeting with Athletic Club.
That shape reflects the kind of balance Simeone often looks for in bigger league matches: enough defensive stability to handle pressure, but enough quality in possession to turn chances into goals. Atlético de Madrid’s last match offered a bit of both, as the club scored three goals and controlled enough of the game to leave with a 3-1 victory.
What Athletic Club brings into the match
Athletic Club also arrives with a recent boost after earning its first win of the competition against Celta. That makes this a more interesting early-season test than the standings alone might suggest, especially with both teams trying to establish themselves near the top of the table.
For Atlético de Madrid, the lineup projection is less about surprise and more about continuity. Jan Oblak’s presence remains a constant, and the broader group suggests Simeone is leaning on players who can manage the rhythm of a competitive LaLiga match. Athletic Club’s recent win adds another layer, but the key takeaway is straightforward: this is a matchup between two teams trying to build traction, and Atlético de Madrid’s selection will be watched closely for clues about how Simeone wants to approach it.
