Atletico Madrid face Athletic Club this weekend at San Mames in a key match of La Liga's fourth round. According to Bilbaohiria, the unbeaten Colchoneros, with seven points, will meet a rival aiming to impose a high press but dealing with the injury absence of Peio Canales.
Diego Simeone's team is in good form after a 0-3 win at Sevilla's Sanchez-Pizjuan. Pablo Barrios, in excellent condition, will be a key piece in midfield to defuse the Basque pressure. Atletico's midfield, also featuring Sander Hjulmand and Koke, has proven to be one of the most solid in recent years under the Argentine coach. The team currently sits third in the La Liga standings.
How does Canales' absence affect Athletic Club?
The muscle injury to Peio Canales changes Athletic Club's plans. The midfielder was a reference point in the pressing circuit manager Edin Terzic had been implementing. His place will likely be taken by Galarreta and Gerenabarrena as a double pivot, with Jauregizar as an alternative. This modification presents an extra challenge to neutralize a visiting midfield adept at handling pressure.
Facing them, Pablo Barrios has the mission to cut off recoveries and distribute play quickly. His partnership with Hjulmand will be key to finding the free man before the press arrives. Atletico has conceded only two goals in their first three matches, a stat reflecting their defensive solidity available on our stats page.
Which individual duels will define the match?
Three matchups draw focus. At right-back, Jesus Areso must contain Aleksandr Grimaldo, one of the most active attacking full-backs in the competition. In the center, Athletic's double pivot will have to monitor the movements of Kang-in Lee in the spaces between lines. And on the left flank, the possible start for Nico Williams would test Marcos Llorente, who must choose between tracking him or covering inside spaces.
Atletico has significant offensive options. Julian Alvarez is available after an issue and Jonathan David has joined team training. However, Simeone may keep Ademola Lookman and Giuliano as the starting duo. The full squad is detailed in our squad section.
What is Terzic's main tactical decision?
The German manager must decide between fielding Gorka Guruzeta as a center-forward or opting for width with Inaki Williams on the wing and Alex Berengre. With Guruzeta, Athletic gains presence in the box and pins down the opposing center-backs. Without him, they gain mobility but lose a clear reference for finishing against a typically compact defense.
For Atletico, this match is another test at a always difficult ground. A positive result would allow them to keep pace at the top of the table. The red-and-white team has an average possession of 58% so far this season. Atletico Madrid's next fixture after the Bilbao match is hosting Valencia at the Metropolitano next Saturday.
