This Sunday, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano hosts a compelling La Liga showdown as Atlético de Madrid welcomes Girona for Matchday 37. With the season winding down, both teams have plenty on the line—Atlético is fighting to secure their top-four finish, while Girona looks to close out the campaign on a high note.
Atleti currently sits in 4th place with 66 points, coming off a gritty 2-1 away win against Osasuna. Diego Simeone's men have been a fortress at home historically, though recent form shows some cracks—they've managed just one win in their last six home matches and have conceded in each of their last six home games. Still, their overall home record remains formidable, with only two draws in their last 28 outings at the Metropolitano.
Girona, meanwhile, occupies 15th position with 40 points. Míchel's side drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad in their last match, snapping a five-game losing streak. However, their away form is a major concern: they haven't won on the road in eight matches, though they have scored in three straight away games. That said, they've also conceded in those eight fixtures, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that Atlético will look to exploit.
History heavily favors the hosts. In the last meeting between these sides, Atlético cruised to a 3-0 victory. Simeone's head-to-head record against Girona is impressive: seven wins, five draws, and just one defeat in 13 encounters. Against Míchel specifically, Simeone has won eight of their ten meetings, with one draw and one loss.
For Atlético, the probable lineup includes Juan Musso in goal, with a backline of Marcos Llorente, David Hancko, Marc Pubill, and Matteo Ruggeri. The midfield features Thiago Almada, Rodrigo Mendoza, Koke, and Obed Vargas, while Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann lead the attack.
Girona is expected to field Paulo Gazzaniga between the sticks, protected by Arnau Martínez, Vitor Reis, Alejandro Francés, and Álex Moreno. The midfield trio of Azzedine Ounahi, Axel Witsel, and Ivan Martín will aim to control the tempo, with Bryan Gil, Viktor Tsygankov, and Joel Roca providing width and creativity up front.
Prediction: Given Atlético's strong home record against Girona and the visitors' struggles on the road, a comfortable win for Simeone's side seems likely. Expect a 2-0 or 3-1 scoreline as Atleti looks to cement their Champions League spot.
