Levante vs Atl.Madrid

The Estadi Ciutat de València hosts a critical clash between two teams at opposite ends of the table today, Saturday, January 31, 2026. Atlético Madrid visits a struggling Levante side that is showing signs of a pulse just in time for this relegation battle. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:30 GMT (18:30 Local).

Levante (19th, 17 points) enters the match five points adrift of safety but buoyed by a dramatic 3–2 win over Elche last week. Atlético Madrid (3rd, 44 points) looks to shake off a midweek Champions League heartbreak and cement their position in the top three.

Match Information

Levante: The Castro Revival?

Since Luis Castro took charge just before Christmas, Levante has become a much tougher nut to crack. They have picked up two wins and two draws in their last five league games, a run that has given the Granotas genuine hope of avoiding an immediate return to the second tier. However, their defense remains a concern, having conceded a division-high 20 goals at home this season.

Team News and Selection:

• Key Absence: Roger Brugué remains sidelined with a long-term injury and will miss the remainder of the season.

• Doubts: Defensive mainstays Unai Elgezabal, Diego Pampín, and Víctor García are all facing late fitness tests.

• Player to Watch: Midfielder Pablo Martínez was the hero against Elche, providing both a goal and an assist. His ability to control the tempo will be vital against Atleti’s press.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Toljan, Dela, Matturro, Manu Sánchez; Arriaga, P. Martínez; Tunde, Carlos Álvarez, Romero; Etta Eyong.

Atlético Madrid: A Test of Resilience

Diego Simeone’s side arrives in Valencia following a shock 2–1 home defeat to Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League on Wednesday—a result that consigned them to a knockout play-off tie. While their European form has been patchy, their domestic record is formidable, boasting a five-game unbeaten run in La Liga (W4, D1).

Team News and Selection:

• Griezmann Injury: Antoine Griezmann is the only major injury concern for Simeone; he is expected to miss out today to recover for the upcoming derby.

• Return of the Wall: José María Giménez is back in the heart of the defense after being rested midweek. Clement Lenglet has also been passed fit but is likely to start on the bench.

• Attacking Duo: Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth (7 goals each) are expected to lead the line as they hunt for the league's top-scorer crown.

• Predicted XI (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Giménez, Hancko; Ruggeri, Baena, Koke, Pablo Barrios; Sørloth, Álvarez.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Reverse Fixture: Atlético Madrid won 3–1 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in November 2025.

• The Draw Factor: While Atleti are undefeated in their last six away games at Levante, three of those have ended in draws.

• Defensive Contrast: Atlético has kept 9 clean sheets this season (second-best in La Liga), while Levante has the second-worst defensive record in the division (34 goals conceded).

• Late Drama: Levante has conceded the first goal in 13 of their 21 games this season, but they have a knack for second-half goals (18 of their last 20 games).

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Levante will likely set up in a compact 4-2-3-1, relying on Mathew Ryan (averaging 4 saves per game) to keep them in the contest while searching for Etta Eyong on the counter. Atlético, meanwhile, will look to dominate possession and use the creative flair of Álex Baena to exploit the gaps in Levante’s high-risk defensive line.

Expect a cagey affair. Levante is fighting for their lives and has improved under Castro, but the sheer quality of Simeone’s attacking options—specifically the Sørloth-Álvarez partnership—should see the visitors through.

Final Score Prediction: Levante 1–2 Atlético Madrid