Atlético Madrid Faces Leganés in Crucial La Liga Clash

LEGANÉS, Spain — Atlético Madrid will defend their La Liga lead against Leganés in a high-stakes match at Butarque Stadium on Saturday, January 18, 2025. The game marks the first defense of Atlético’s regained top spot, following a narrow victory in the previous round.

Diego Simeone, Atlético’s head coach, has included Adrián Niño, a standout from the club’s youth academy, in the squad. Niño’s inclusion comes as a response to the injury of Alexander Sörloth, the team’s primary striker. Simeone plans to keep Niño integrated with the first team until Sörloth recovers, signaling confidence in the young forward’s abilities.

Niño, who scored 36 goals in 33 matches during the 2022-23 season as a youth player, has continued to impress with five goals in 18 appearances this season under Fernando Torres, the Atlético B coach. His remarkable consistency, including scoring in all six group-stage matches of the Youth League, has made him a key figure in the club’s future plans.

Meanwhile, Leganés, currently struggling in the league with only three wins in nine matches, aims to replicate their December victory over Barcelona. Despite recent heavy defeats to Villarreal, Real Sociedad, and Real Madrid, Leganés remains determined to challenge Atlético, a team they have not beaten in La Liga since their 0-2 victory in Segunda División 23 years ago.

Simeone has also welcomed back defender Clément Lenglet from injury, while José Giménez continues his gradual return to full fitness. The absence of Sörloth, along with Riquelme and Musso, has forced Simeone to rely on a more familiar lineup, including Galán, Barrios, De Paul, Griezmann, and Julián.

Leganés coach Borja Jiménez faces challenges of his own, with key players like Porozo and Haller unavailable, and injuries affecting Cissé, Raba, and Jorge Sáenz. Despite these setbacks, goalkeeper Dmitrovic has been a standout performer, providing a solid last line of defense.

With both teams eyeing a crucial victory, the match promises to be a tense encounter. Atlético seeks to extend their record-breaking 15-match winning streak, while Leganés hopes to climb out of the relegation zone and cement their reputation as giant-killers.