Diego Simeone has spent the week running the exact same starting formation that defeated Sevilla, signaling his intent to keep a winning formula intact ahead of a demanding fixture against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés.
Despite an upcoming high-profile Champions League debut against Liverpool at Anfield, the Atlético Madrid manager has resisted major squad rotation, focusing instead on continuity and physical readiness to maintain early-season momentum in La Liga.
What Happened in Training
According to reports from as.com, Oblak is expected to retain his position between the posts. The projected defensive line features Grimaldo, Hancko, Pubill, and Marcos Llorente.
Simeone's tactical sessions this week have prioritized high intensity, defensive concentration, and specific strategies to counter Athletic's aggressive home setup. In the middle of the pitch, Barrios and Hjulmand are tipped to start. Hjulmand brings physical steel and tireless defensive work without the ball, while Barrios provides essential energy and movement. They are expected to be supported by Lookman and Giuliano in transitional interior roles.
Why It Matters: Balancing Domestic Ambitions
Opting against rotation carries clear risks, particularly with the physical toll expected at San Mamés—one of the toughest away venues in Spanish football. However, keeping the core eleven together underscores Simeone’s reliance on chemistry as Atlético navigates a brutal September fixture list.
By holding back attacking heavyweights Julián Álvarez and Jonathan David on the bench, Simeone ensures he retains elite game-changing options for the second half, whether to protect a lead or chase a late winner.
The Tactical Plan
Up front, Baena and Kang-in Lee have been tasked with drifting into open spaces and exploiting gaps behind Athletic's defensive lines. Simeone has crafted a distinct blueprint for this match, specifically instructing his squad to bypass Athletic's initial press when their center-backs split to build from the back.
The objective is to break through the host's first lines of pressure quickly and transition into vertical, deep-attacking plays before Athletic can reset their defensive block.
What's Next
With the daunting trip to Anfield looming, managing player minutes will be a delicate tightrope for Simeone. However, securing a result at San Mamés remains the immediate priority as Atlético looks to stamp its authority early in the domestic campaign and build a psychological advantage ahead of their European campaign.
