Competition: La Liga (Round 11) Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid
This fixture pits Diego Simeone's resilient and evolving Atlético Madrid side against Matías Almeyda's Sevilla, who are struggling for consistency despite showing flashes of attacking potential. Atlético, currently sitting fourth, looks to solidify their position against the eleventh-placed Sevilla, who need points to climb back into the European places contention.
1. Atlético Madrid: Controlled Aggression and Attacking Fluidity
Atlético Madrid, traditionally known for defensive solidity, has shown a greater attacking inclination this season, scoring 18 goals in 10 matches while maintaining a strong defensive record (10 goals conceded).
Key Tactical Focus:
Formation & Structure: Simeone is expected to utilize a variation of the 5-3-2 or 4-4-2, which seamlessly transitions between defense and attack. The key to their structure is the use of wingbacks like Marcos Llorente (potentially playing further forward) and the deep control offered by Koke and Barrios in midfield.
The Julián Álvarez-Griezmann Partnership: The attack is spearheaded by the dynamic movement of Julián Álvarez and the tactical intelligence of Antoine Griezmann. Álvarez is the most efficient scorer, while Griezmann is crucial for link-up play, dropping deep to create space and passing opportunities for others, such as Álex Baena, who operates effectively in the attacking midfield role.
Counter-Pressing: While their low block remains world-class, Atleti's recent success has come from their ability to press intensely immediately after losing possession, particularly in central areas, leveraging the tenacity of players like Koke and Conor Gallagher (if he starts).
Set Pieces: Atlético remains a massive threat from dead-ball situations, utilizing the aerial strength of defenders like José Giménez and Le Normand.
2. Sevilla FC: Vulnerability in Defense and Dependence on Transitions
Sevilla has displayed an inconsistent form this season, with their attacking numbers being decent (17 goals scored) but their defensive fragility (16 goals conceded) being a major concern.
Key Tactical Focus:
Structure & Midfield Battle: Almeyda has experimented with structures but typically aims for a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. The key challenge for Sevilla will be controlling the midfield against Atleti's compact three-man unit, especially with Lucien Agoume suspended. Nemanja Gudelj and Djibril Sow will need to be extremely disciplined.
Isaac Romero's Threat: The primary goal threat comes from Isaac Romero. Sevilla will look to bypass the high press with quick, vertical passes aimed at releasing Romero and wingers like Juan Sánchez or Rubén Vargas into space behind Atlético's advanced wingbacks.
Defensive Worries: The absence of key players due to injury (Mendy, Azpilicueta) and suspension (Agoume) significantly weakens their backline and midfield screen. Marcao's performance will be critical in handling Álvarez's sharp movements.
Exploiting the Flanks: Sevilla might find joy exploiting the channels where Atleti's wingbacks push up, necessitating fast transitions and accurate crossing to test Jan Oblak.
3. Predicted Tactical Duels
Duel | Description | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
Griezmann vs. Gudelj | Griezmann's tendency to drop into the space between Sevilla's midfield and defense (The "Griezmann Zone") will force Gudelj to either step out (creating gaps) or hold his position (allowing Griezmann time on the ball). | Advantage Atlético - Griezmann's freedom will likely pull Sevilla out of shape. |
Atlético's Wingbacks vs. Sevilla's Wide Attackers | If Llorente/Hancko push high, Sevilla's wide players (Vargas, Sánchez) must be quick to counter-attack into the vacated space, which could lead to a highly transitional phase on the flanks. | Even - High risk/high reward for both sides. |
Atlético's Front Line vs. Sevilla's Back Four | Julián Álvarez's relentless running and positioning inside the box will severely test the communication and structure of Sevilla's makeshift defense (Carmona, Cardoso, Marcao). | Advantage Atlético - Álvarez's clinical finishing combined with the fluidity of the attack is a major threat. |
4. Prediction
Atlético Madrid holds a significant advantage, particularly at home where they have been dominant (W8, D1 in their last nine league fixtures). Their strong home form, coupled with Sevilla's injury concerns and recent defensive struggles, points towards an Atlético victory.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2-1 Sevilla FC
