Atlético wants to forget its first ghosts in Mestalla

Atlético wants to forget its first ghosts in Mestalla

Those of Cholo started well in Getafe, but against Villarreal a team was stuck and with complexes from the past

MADRID, 28 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Atlético de Madrid visits this Monday (10:00 p.m.) Mestalla with the aim of forgetting the first ghosts that Simeone's men experienced against Villarreal in the defeat on the last day, without ideas, stuck and recalling nightmares from the past, while Valencia , who have not beaten Atleti since 2014, want to prolong their good start in their stadium, willing to turn it into their fort.

The rojiblanco team arrives at this day 3 of LaLiga Santander with some doubts after the last duel at the Civitas Metropolitano in which they fell (0-2) against Unai Emery's team, offering a very poor, desperate and helpless image. In addition, it meant the first defeat for the Argentine coach against the Hondarribia coach.

Atlético, twelfth in the table with three points, the same as Valencia, fourteenth, were unable to continue the great start at the Coliseum against Getafe. The rojiblancos beat the 'azulón' team by a resounding 0-3 that excited the entire entity, but that confidence and security were ultimately a mirage, after the debacle at the Metropolitan. A slowdown to the good start so that uncertainty grows.

In addition, in a week marked by the imminent departure of Renan Lodi, from which Simeone himself said goodbye this Sunday at a press conference. "Lodi had the need to play, have continuity and have a lot of minutes, due to the World Cup situation. I don't have a commitment here with anyone, there is a lot of competition in the position, there are some who like to compete and others prefer to go to another team to get those minutes that make them reach the World Cup in the best way", he explained.

Added to this are the sensible casualties in defense, something that already happened last year. On this occasion, Nahuel Molina, who made his debut at the Metropolitano last Sunday, will serve a penalty after seeing a red card for assault, while Stefan Savic will also not be eligible for Simeone due to injury. Thus, everything indicates that Giménez will replace the Montenegrin in the rear, accompanying the fixed Witsel and Reinildo.

To cover Molina's loss on the side, Marcos Llorente would be the first candidate, leaving a vacancy in the rojiblanco midfield, with De Paul as the best placed to accompany Koke and Kondogbia or Lemar, if he finally reaches one hundred percent hundred, after failing to complete Thursday's session. Saúl Ñíguez could occupy the left lane.

Where there are no doubts is in the attack, where it seems that Simeone will continue to trust the Morata-Joao Félix duo. The Spaniard, author of a brace against Getafe, and the Portuguese, much more comfortable and with more presence than last year, have been starters in the two previous games, to the detriment of Antoine Griezmann who still does not have total confidence of the Argentine coach to be part of the game.

For its part, Valencia arrives without the endorsement of the results after falling in San Mamés (1-0), although with better sensations in terms of effort and game, with a squad that seems to adapt quickly to Gattuso's automatisms. In their league debut, the 'che' team beat Girona (1-0), with a goal by Carlos Soler from a penalty.

As in the Metropolitan, in Valencia the transfer market is still very hot and the absolute protagonist is Edinson Cavani, a player with whom the Italian coach is "excited", and who could arrive in the coming days. In addition, as Gattuso revealed at a press conference, they are still waiting to close the return of Bryan Gil.

Valencia will seek to end the bad run of results against the rojiblanco team, whom they have not won since October 2014. Eight years of curse that should serve as extra motivation to finish off one of their black beasts in a LaLiga Santander classic. The last match between the two at Mestalla ended in a draw (3-3).

The main doubt is Hugo Duro due to discomfort in his ankle, so Gattuso could choose between Marcos André and Maxi Gómez as replacements. Thierry Correia aims to start, with Jesús Vázquez already recovered to replace the still sanctioned Gayà. With Guillamón and Soler as regulars, Nico and Musah will fight to be the third in the midfield.

VALENCIA: Mamardashvili; Thierry Correia, Paulista, Diakhaby, Jesús Vázquez; Guillamón, Nico, Soler; Castillejo, Marcos André, Samuel Lino.

MADRID ATHLETIC: Oblak; Llorente, Gimenez, Witsel, Reinildo, Saul; De Paul, Coke, Lemar; Joao Felix, Lover.

--REFEREE: Cuadra Fernández (Balearic C.).

--STADIUM: Mestalla.

--TIME: 22.00/Movistar LaLiga.