Lineup Overview
Coach Diego Simeone went with a classic 5‑3‑2 for the capital derby, trusting a mix of experience and youthful energy. Atlético Madrid kept veteran goalkeeper Jan Oblak in goal, a move that guarantees stability at the back. The five‑man defence featured Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, David Hancko, Nahuel Molina and Javi Galán. The wing‑backs, Molina and Galán, were expected to shuttle up and down the flanks, giving the team width without sacrificing defensive shape.
In the middle of the park, Simeone slotted Pablo Barrios, Koke and Conor Gallagher into a compact trio. Barrios, a product of Atlético’s academy, brought high‑pressing intensity while Koke, the club captain, offered leadership and tactical awareness. Gallagher, the English midfielder, added energy and an eye for forward passes, making the midfield a true engine room.
Up front, the French‑Algerian veteran Antoine Griezmann partnered with the Argentine youngster Julián Álvarez. Griezmann’s link‑up play and positional sense complemented Álvarez’s pace and clinical finishing. The pairing gave Simeone two very different weapons to break down Rayo’s defence.
Several regulars missed the match. Central defender José María Giménez was sidelined with a muscle injury, while Brazilian wing‑back Johnny Cardoso and Argentine forward Thiago Almada also sat out due to fitness concerns. The most notable absentee was striker Alexander Sørloth, who served a suspension, forcing the coach to reshuffle his attacking plans.
Match Impact and Tactical Success
The 5‑3‑2 setup paid off quickly. Rayo Vallecano pressed hard from the kickoff, but Atlético’s back five held firm, denying space inside the box. The wing‑backs provided the necessary outlet on the sides, allowing the midfield trio to stay compact while still supporting the attack.
In the 15th minute, a quick transition caught the visitors off guard. Gallagher retrieved the ball in midfield, slipped it to Barrios, who threaded a pass to Álvarez on the edge of the area. The Argentine striker slotted the ball low to the right corner, giving Atlético a 1‑0 lead that would hold until the final whistle.
The win snapped a sluggish spell for the club and re‑established confidence ahead of the next round of fixtures. Simeone’s decision to balance defensive rigidity with swift counter‑attacks demonstrated his tactical flexibility, especially when forced to cope with multiple injuries and a suspended forward.
Looking ahead, the coaching staff will likely keep the core of this line‑up intact, especially if Oblak, the back five and the Barrios‑Koke‑Gallagher midfield continue to click. The attacking duo of Griezmann and Álvarez also proved they can produce results together, which bodes well for the team’s goal‑scoring ambitions in the remainder of the La Liga season.
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