Atlético Madrid seek first win of the season against Girona in home clash
Atlético Madrid host Girona on matchday two of La Liga, looking to secure their first victory of the season. Following a 2-2 draw against Villarreal on the opening matchday, Diego Simeone and his side go in search of three points on Sunday, 25 August at 20:30 (GMT+1) at the Cívitas Metropolitano.
Atlético Madrid twice come from behind against Villarreal
The start of the 2024-2025 season was far from straightforward for Atlético Madrid. Against Villarreal, Simeone's side had to overturn a deficit on two separate occasions before eventually claiming a point, thanks to goals from Marcos Llorente in the twentieth minute and summer signing Alexander Sørloth deep into first-half stoppage time. Particularly noteworthy for the Norwegian: it was his first competitive goal for Atlético Madrid, and it came against none other than his former club. Simeone was pleased with his team's performance afterwards: 'We played a good match. I saw good things and details that make the difference over the course of the year.' The draw leaves Atlético currently sitting eighth in La Liga.
Historic record gives Simeone extra motivation
With just one point from the opening matchday, Atlético Madrid have added incentive to push for all three. Since the 2016/17 season, when the Madrilenos ended their first two La Liga fixtures without a win, the club have always claimed victory in at least one of their opening two league games. That run is something they are determined to protect at all costs. The statistics also favour the home side: in their last four head-to-head meetings with Girona, Atlético Madrid won three and drew one, without suffering a single defeat. What's more, the Mattress Makers have scored at least twice in each of the last three encounters against Girona.
Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth could both start
One of the major talking points heading into this weekend is a potential starting role for Julián Álvarez, who was given just fifteen minutes off the bench on his debut. The club's marquee summer signing could line up alongside Alexander Sørloth in a 3-5-2 formation, handing Simeone an attacking partnership with genuine firepower. Atlético Madrid also bolstered their midfield this summer with the arrival of Conor Gallagher, who joined from Chelsea for a transfer fee of 42 million euros.
Girona travel to Madrid after an eventful opening matchday
The visitors from Catalonia also had an eventful start to the season. Against Real Betis, they fell behind early through a header from Marc Bartra in the fifth minute, yet Girona still managed to salvage a point — in no small part thanks to a dream debut from Gabriel Misehouy. The 19-year-old newcomer came off the bench in the 72nd minute and provided the equaliser just three minutes later. The 1-1 draw leaves Girona ninth, just one place below Atlético Madrid and level on points. Manager Míchel is expected to set his side up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, with Abel Ruiz leading the attack, though the fitness of Manu Vallejo remains doubtful. It is worth noting that Girona won the most recent meeting between the two clubs 4-3, though in their overall competitive history the side have only managed one victory in eight fixtures against Atlético Madrid.
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Source: Sportmonks
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