Atletico Madrid are expected to stick with the same 4-4-2 shape that beat Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 when they travel to Levante on Saturday 31 October. The likely plan is for Julian Alvarez to lead the line again, while Diego Simeone keeps a setup that has helped Atletico move to second in La Liga with 25 points from 10 games, two points behind Barcelona.
The timing matters because this is not just another league match. Atletico have built momentum without changing much in recent weeks, and Simeone appears ready to trust the structure that worked last weekend, when Atletico scored the winning goal two minutes after the break against Deportivo La Coruna. Against Levante, the challenge changes, but the basic approach may not.
Why the system is likely to stay the same
Levante bring a more direct test, especially at home, and their numbers show a side that can create problems going forward while still leaving space at the back. They have scored 16 goals in 10 games, but they have also conceded 19, which suggests Atletico may be able to find openings if they remain compact and sharp in transition.
That is one reason the 4-4-2 makes sense. It gives Atletico a familiar balance, and it keeps the team aligned with the way they have been playing through the early part of the season. For Simeone, the priority appears to be stability rather than change.
Selection questions remain in midfield and defense
There is still some uncertainty around Cristian Romero, who is a late fitness call. Atletico are also dealing with the absence of Johnny Cardoso, who suffered a low-grade thigh muscle injury confirmed by the club on 22 October. Those issues leave fewer options in the middle of the pitch, which adds even more value to a setup the coach already trusts.
With limited room to maneuver, Atletico may lean on experience and continuity. The expectation is that Julian Alvarez will again be central to the attack, while the rest of the side is shaped by the need to manage the available personnel and protect a strong position in the league table.
For Atletico, this trip to Levante is about more than just collecting points. It is another chance to show they can keep winning without abandoning the system that has carried them this far. If Romero is fit enough to feature, that would strengthen the defensive outlook. If not, Simeone will still likely keep the same basic formula and ask his players to handle a tricky away test in the same way they handled Deportivo La Coruna.
