Athletic Madrid's manager, Simeone, focused on revamping the team after they suffered a defeat in their LaLiga opener
Atletico Madrid Prepare for Home Opener Against Elche
Atletico Madrid are set to kick off their home campaign in the 2024-25 LaLiga season, as they host Elche at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday. Diego Simeone's side have been busy in the transfer market, making a total of ten signings this window, including Alex Baena, Thiago Almada, Giacomo Raspadori, and David Hancko.
The Rojiblancos showed promising signs in their last game, taking a 60.1% possession share and completing 551 passes, figures that surpass their average figures from last season. Julian Alvarez scored a stunning free-kick in that match, marking his third direct free-kick goal for the club in all competitions. However, they suffered a 2-1 defeat in their season opener at Espanyol.
Elche, on the other hand, drew 1-1 at Real Betis in their first game of the season. The team finished second in the Segunda Division last season to secure a return to the top flight. Despite their draw, Elche are unbeaten in their last six games in LaLiga, despite only scoring one goal in each of those matches.
German Valera, at 23 years and 155 days old, became the fourth-youngest player to score on his LaLiga debut for Elche this century. Elche have a 11.1% Opta win probability for the match, while Atletico Madrid have the highest probability at 72.4%. The Opta draw probability for the match is 16.5%.
Simeone has won all five home games he has managed against Elche in LaLiga. Atleti have played 24 home games against Elche in LaLiga, winning 21 and drawing three. Yannick Carrasco, who has been under contract with Atletico Madrid in multiple past periods, is set to make his third return to the club as of 2025.
Atletico Madrid will be looking to bounce back from their season opener defeat and start their home campaign on a positive note. Elche, on the other hand, will be aiming to upset the odds and secure their first win of the season. With Simeone's men reinventing themselves, not changing, as the coach stated, and Atleti's strong home form, it promises to be an exciting encounter.
