Leganes vs. Atletico Madrid | La Liga | Pre Match

Atletico Madrid Aim for 16th Consecutive Victory Against Leganes

Atletico Madrid will look to extend their remarkable winning streak to 16 matches across all competitions when they face Leganes in La Liga on Saturday afternoon. Under the stewardship of Diego Simeone, the capital giants are enjoying an extraordinary run of form that has propelled them to the summit of the La Liga table. Their sights are firmly set on securing a 14th league win of the season, as they take on a Leganes side battling near the relegation zone.

Leganes: Aiming for Survival and Stability

Leganes find themselves 16th in La Liga, with 19 points from 19 matches. Their record of four wins, seven draws, and eight losses places them just three points clear of the relegation zone. As reigning Segunda División champions, Leganes entered the top flight this season with modest ambitions, primarily focused on survival. By that measure, their campaign so far has been relatively successful, though they must remain vigilant to avoid being drawn into a relegation scrap.

The team, managed by Borja Jimenez, has shown flashes of promise, particularly in cup competitions. On Wednesday night, they secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Almeria to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. In the league, their last outing ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Espanyol on January 11.

Leganes' recent form offers some encouragement—they have lost only one of their last five matches in all competitions. Notably, they claimed a stunning 1-0 victory against Barcelona in late 2024, a result that undoubtedly boosted their confidence. However, consistency remains a challenge, particularly at home. Despite playing nine matches at Estadio Municipal de Butarque, they have managed just 10 points on their own turf, a worrying statistic as they prepare to host the league leaders.

Atletico Madrid: A Season of Domination

Atletico Madrid are currently enjoying their best-ever run of form, having recorded 15 consecutive victories in all competitions. This historic streak has placed them in pole position in La Liga, where they sit one point ahead of second-placed Real Madrid and six points clear of third-placed Barcelona. Their success this season has been built on a rock-solid defense, which has conceded just 12 goals in 19 league matches, coupled with a potent attack that has scored 34 times.

The team’s offensive strength is driven by the contributions of Alexander Sorloth, who has netted eight league goals, alongside Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez, who have scored seven and six goals, respectively. These players have formed a lethal attacking unit, supported by a midfield brimming with creativity and discipline.

Atletico were also in Copa del Rey action on Wednesday, delivering a commanding 4-0 win over Elche to progress to the quarter-finals. Their dominance extends to the league, where they have won their last eight matches, including a 1-0 victory over Osasuna last weekend. While their Champions League form has been less impressive, with the team sitting 11th in the overall standings and earning 12 points from six group-stage matches, they remain firmly in contention domestically.

Simeone, renowned for his tactical acumen and motivational prowess, has overseen a transformation in Atletico's fortunes this season. The team last won La Liga in 2020-21, finishing third, third, and fourth in subsequent campaigns. A return to the top of the table would represent a significant achievement, especially given the intense competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Team News and Tactical Changes

Leganes will be without several key players for Saturday's clash. Enric Franquesa is sidelined with a muscular problem, while Juan Soriano, Jorge Saenz, and Oscar Rodriguez are suspended. These absences will force Jimenez to make adjustments to his lineup, with Miguel de la Fuente, Juan Cruz, Dani Raba, and Yvan Neyou expected to feature. Valentin Rosier is likely to retain his spot at right-back, ahead of Adrià Alti, despite the latter’s strong showing against Almeria.

For Atletico, Jose Gimenez remains unavailable due to injury, but the squad is otherwise in excellent shape. Simeone is expected to rotate his side following the midweek Copa del Rey victory. Alexander Sorloth, despite his brace against Elche, is unlikely to start in the league, with Julian Alvarez partnering Antoine Griezmann in attack. Key players such as Rodrigo de Paul, Javi Galan, Giuliano Simeone, Jan Oblak, and Pablo Barrios, who were rested midweek, are set to return to the starting XI.

Key Matchups and Tactical Battles

The clash between Leganes and Atletico will likely be defined by the contrasting styles of the two teams. Leganes, as underdogs, will focus on a disciplined defensive structure, looking to frustrate Atletico and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities. Miguel de la Fuente and Dani Raba will be crucial to their attacking transitions, while Yvan Neyou will play a key role in shielding the defense and disrupting Atletico’s midfield rhythm.

Atletico, meanwhile, will aim to assert their dominance from the outset. Their well-organized defense, led by Jan Oblak, will provide a strong foundation, allowing the midfield to dictate play. Rodrigo de Paul’s creativity and work rate will be essential in unlocking Leganes’ defense, while the attacking duo of Griezmann and Alvarez will look to exploit any defensive lapses.

Form and Recent Encounters

Atletico’s imperious form stands in stark contrast to Leganes’ inconsistent campaign. The capital giants have won their last 15 matches in all competitions and are unbeaten in their last eight La Liga outings. In contrast, Leganes have struggled for consistency, particularly at home, where they have secured just two wins in nine league matches.

Historically, Atletico have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, and their current form suggests that they are strong favorites to extend their winning streak. However, Leganes have demonstrated their ability to punch above their weight, as evidenced by their shock victory over Barcelona, and they will be determined to rise to the occasion.

What’s at Stake

For Atletico, the stakes could not be higher. Maintaining their winning streak would not only reinforce their position at the top of La Liga but also send a strong message to their title rivals. A victory on Saturday would further solidify their credentials as genuine title contenders and keep the momentum firmly in their favor.

For Leganes, this match represents an opportunity to test themselves against one of Europe’s elite teams. While a positive result may be unlikely, a spirited performance could boost their confidence and provide valuable lessons as they continue their fight for survival. A draw or a win would be a significant achievement, offering a morale boost and potentially lifting them further away from the relegation zone.

Conclusion

The meeting between Leganes and Atletico Madrid at Estadio Municipal de Butarque promises to be a fascinating encounter between two teams with very different ambitions. Atletico, driven by their extraordinary form and title aspirations, will aim to continue their dominance and secure another three points. Leganes, battling for survival, will seek to frustrate their illustrious opponents and potentially spring a surprise.

While Atletico are clear favorites, football is often unpredictable, and Leganes’ resilience and determination should not be underestimated. Whatever the outcome, Saturday’s clash will provide another compelling chapter in the narratives of these two clubs.