Without Torres, with Griezmann

The fact that the transfer market in Italy does not open until the fifth day of the month will prevent Atlético Madrid-Levante from becoming an event of uncontrolled emotion. But even with El Niño watching the match from the stands, the match will be the focus of attention. The first thing, in chronological order, will be the atmosphere. The Calderón will be full and the security controls to access the south stand (Fondo Sur) remain. The ban on wearing any symbols of Frente Atlético also remains.

The last match at the Calderón, the defeat against Villarreal, witnessed the split between the ultras group and the rest of the club’s supporters and subsequently created a rarefied atmosphere that affected the team. The desirable and inevitable normalisation, whether Frente like it or not, should start today.

On the pitch, the most closely observed player will be Griezmann, who finished 2014 with his best performance as an Atleti player (hat-trick against Athletic Club at San Mamés). This time, he will not play as a reference but as a partner to Mandzukic. Arda and Koke will complete the most talented version of Atleti.

Levante have reacted since Lucas Alcarez arrived on their bench. With him, they have taken ten points and they have lost only two of their last eight matches. Diop, who is probably their most important player, will play his final match before heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations and Barral will be the spearhead of an attack that has managed only 12 Liga goals this season (the third-lowest tally of all teams in the top flight).

There are absences in both defences: for Levante, David Navarro will miss out through suspension and Alcaraz will choose between Juanfran and El Adoua to deputise as he prepares his side to deal with Atlético’s terrifying aerial game. For the hosts, Miranda remains sidelined and Giménez will continue in Simeone’s starting XI.

After taking on Levante, Atleti expect an avalanche of emotions: the return of Torres, two matches against Madrid and one against Barça. But they will think of those from tomorrow. Match by match, you already know.

from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://ift.tt/1D2wH50

via IFTTT