Atletico Madrid aim to build on their home form when they host Osasuna at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano this Wednesday. Diego Simeone's side arrives off the back of a convincing 3-0 win at Real Sociedad, a result that leaves them fifth in the table with 10 points from five games.
The main concern for the match is the absence of key forwards. Alexander Sørloth and Julián Alvarez remain sidelined with muscle injuries, with a return expected by the end of the month. Pablo Barrios is also out. This leaves the manager with fewer attacking options, relying on the form of Álex Baena, who has three goals in five appearances this season.
Match preview
Atletico approach the game with a defence that looks solid, featuring Jan Oblak in goal and a central trio of Marc Pubill, Cristian Romero and Dávid Hancko. The 3-4-2-1 system that worked in San Sebastián could be repeated, with Marcos Llorente and Morten Hjulmand in midfield and wing-backs Álex Grimaldo and Giuliano Simeone providing width. Lee Kang-In and Álex Baena would support Ademola Lookman up front.
Osasuna, meanwhile, arrive after two consecutive defeats and sit in eleventh place. The Navarrese side also have injury worries, with Aimar Oroz, Jorge Herrando and Moi Gómez all out. Their last starting eleven featured Sergio Herrera in goal and Ante Budimir as the attacking focal point.
Recent history favours the Madrid side, who won the last meeting at the Metropolitano 1-0 last season. To check the full squad status, fans can visit our injuries page.
With an eye on closing the five-point gap to the leaders, Atletico need three points against a direct rival in mid-table. The match concludes a busy week ahead of the next fixture, the full schedule for which is on our fixtures page.
