Atletico Madrid aim to extend their unbeaten La Liga run and deepen Sevilla’s away-day woes in a fixture that has historically favored the hosts, with Diego Simeone’s side seeking a third consecutive league win to stay in touch with the top.
Atletico Madrid will be bidding to record a third straight victory in Spain's top flight when they continue their campaign with a home fixture against Sevilla on Saturday afternoon, a clash that arrives at a pivotal moment in both clubs’ seasons. For Diego Simeone’s men, the match represents an opportunity to consolidate their position in the upper echelons of La Liga and maintain pressure on the title contenders above them. For Sevilla, it is a chance to arrest a worrying slide and prove that their recent resurgence is more than just a fleeting uptick. The stakes are high, the narratives compelling, and the setting—Wanda Metropolitano—has often been a fortress for the hosts and a graveyard for the visitors.
Currently sitting fourth in the La Liga table, Atletico have accumulated 19 points from their opening 10 matches, a tally that places them three points behind second-placed Barcelona and eight adrift of leaders Real Madrid. Their record of five wins, four draws, and a solitary defeat reflects a team that has found consistency domestically, even if their performances have not always been sparkling. The 2-0 victory away to Real Betis last weekend was a textbook Simeone display—disciplined, efficient, and ruthless in key moments. Goals from Giuliano Simeone and Alex Baena sealed the win, and the clean sheet underscored the defensive solidity that has long been the bedrock of Atletico’s success.
That win extended Atletico’s unbeaten run in La Liga since the opening gameweek defeat to Espanyol, a result that now feels like a distant anomaly. Since then, Simeone’s side have quietly built momentum, navigating tricky fixtures and grinding out results with the kind of resilience that has become synonymous with the Argentine’s tenure. However, their European campaign has been far less convincing. Losses away to Liverpool and Arsenal have left them with just three points from three Champions League matches, and the pressure is mounting ahead of their upcoming clash with Union SG. The next three fixtures—all at home—offer a chance to recalibrate, with Sevilla and Levante in the league bookending that crucial European tie.
Historically, Atletico have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture. Of the 194 previous meetings between the two sides across all competitions, the capital outfit have emerged victorious on 77 occasions. Their recent record is even more dominant—Atletico did the double over Sevilla last season, winning 2-1 away and 4-3 at home in a thrilling encounter that showcased both their attacking prowess and defensive vulnerability. Sevilla have not won away to Atletico since January 2018 in the Copa del Rey, and their last La Liga triumph at this venue dates back to September 2008. Such statistics paint a daunting picture for Matias Almeyda’s men, who must overcome both historical precedent and current form to secure a result.
Sevilla’s season has been a mixed bag. With four wins, one draw, and five defeats from their opening 10 matches, they sit 11th in the table on 13 points. Their most recent league outing ended in a 2-1 defeat to Real Sociedad, a result that exposed familiar frailties—lack of midfield control, defensive lapses, and an inability to convert possession into clear-cut chances. However, they did bounce back in midweek with a 4-1 win over Toledo in the Copa del Rey, a performance that offered glimpses of their attacking potential. Goals from Isaac Romero and Donyell Malen highlighted the threat they can pose when given space and time, but the level of opposition was markedly lower, and the real test lies ahead.
Last season’s 17th-place finish was Sevilla’s worst since their relegation in 1999–2000, and the scars of that campaign are still visible. Almeyda has sought to instill greater discipline and tactical clarity, but progress has been uneven. Injuries have not helped. Batista Mendy, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Alexis Sanchez are all ruled out, while Joan Jordan and Tanguy Nianzou face late fitness tests. Lucien Agoume is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards, further depleting Sevilla’s midfield options. The absence of experienced heads and physical presence could prove costly against an Atletico side that thrives on intensity and duels.
Isaac Romero, with three goals to his name, remains Sevilla’s most potent attacking outlet. The 25-year-old is expected to lead the line at Wanda Metropolitano, and his movement and finishing will be crucial if the visitors are to breach Atletico’s defense. Supporting him will likely be a combination of Jadon Sancho and Donyell Malen, both of whom offer pace and creativity but have struggled for consistency. Sancho’s fitness remains a concern, and Almeyda may opt for a more conservative setup, relying on counter-attacks and set-pieces to create opportunities.
Atletico, by contrast, are in relatively good shape. Pablo Barrios is the only confirmed absentee, and Simeone is expected to make minimal changes to the side that triumphed over Betis. Conor Gallagher could replace Barrios in midfield, bringing energy and ball-winning ability to complement the more creative elements around him. Alex Baena, fresh from his goal last weekend, should retain his place in the number 10 role, while Julian Alvarez—despite ongoing transfer speculation—will lead the line. Alvarez’s ability to drop deep, link play, and press from the front makes him a key cog in Simeone’s system, and his performance could be decisive.
Tactically, the match is likely to follow a familiar pattern. Atletico will seek to control the tempo, press aggressively, and exploit transitions, while Sevilla may adopt a more reactive approach, sitting deep and looking to hit on the break. The midfield battle will be pivotal, with Gallagher and Koke tasked with disrupting Sevilla’s rhythm and initiating attacks. Wide areas could also prove influential, particularly if Atletico can isolate Sevilla’s full-backs and create overloads. Set-pieces, always a strength for Simeone’s side, may offer another route to goal, especially given Sevilla’s vulnerability in defending aerial balls.
Beyond the tactical nuances, the psychological dimension of the fixture cannot be ignored. Atletico are riding a wave of confidence, buoyed by recent results and the comfort of home advantage. The Wanda Metropolitano has become a fortress, with Simeone’s men winning their last five matches at the venue across all competitions. The crowd, passionate and partisan, will play its part, creating an atmosphere that can intimidate opponents and inspire the hosts. For Sevilla, the challenge is not just physical or tactical—it is mental. They must overcome the weight of history, the pressure of expectation, and the noise of the occasion to carve out a result.
In the broader context of the season, the match carries significant implications. A win for Atletico would keep them within touching distance of the top two and reinforce their credentials as title contenders. It would also provide a timely boost ahead of their Champions League clash, where qualification remains in the balance. For Sevilla, a positive result could serve as a springboard for a more consistent run, helping them climb the table and banish the specter of last season’s struggles. The margins are fine, the stakes high, and the outcome uncertain—but one thing is clear: Saturday’s clash promises to be a compelling chapter in the evolving story of La Liga 2025–26.
