Atlético snatched second place from Real Madrid and earned a penalty almost a year later.
Diego Simeone, the Atlético de Madrid coach, sticks to a simple frame when discussing the closing five days of LaLiga Santander: second place is the target, and nothing else can distract the team from the upcoming match against Elche this Sunday. The squad has already arrived at the Martínez Valero stadium ready to continue the push for the top of the table.
“Second, no; second. Second place underground. Second place second. We’re not looking beyond the match with Elche. Our goal is clear, and what we think and feel remains the same. We always aim as high as we can, and no one is going to change that,” he stated at a press conference after morning practice at Majadahonda.
He noted that since Beccacece took charge, Elche has intensified the rhythm of play, especially in the midfield, with sharp second-line movements and numerous crosses on the attack. Atlético must be prepared for a coordinated effort on defense that involves collective discipline and organized movement on the field. Simeone warned that a relegated side can still threaten in pursuit of results, emphasizing that no player relaxes after losing possession and that Elche will look to press as a unit when the ball is theirs again. The recent head-to-heads in this competition show how the dynamics can shift if one team seizes control of the game.
Elche, for their part, seeks to match Atlético in victories at the Martínez Valero, hoping to unbalance a tightly run away game plan. This Sunday’s fixture presents a chance for the visitors to demonstrate resilience and reliability in both defense and attack, testing Atlético’s ability to maintain pressure over the full 90 minutes. The tactical approach chosen by Elche will be judged against Atlético’s refreshed tempo and their willingness to stay compact in defense while exploiting fast transitions when the moment arises.
What Simeone sees in the opponent is a clear blueprint. The team has studied Elche’s attacking and defensive patterns through the week, reinforcing the same preparation routine that has guided Atlético through the season’s challenges. The mindset remains steadfast: the path to success is to control the game, stay disciplined, and seize opportunities as they present themselves, rather than chasing a broad, ill-defined horizon.
Opportunity for Elche
Elche can view this match as a genuine chance to claim a favorable result. The coach’s emphasis on staying true to the plan underscores a belief that performance within the framework of the game will determine the outcome. If Atlético can enforce their tempo and limit mistakes, they keep themselves on track for a high finish. The counterpoint remains that any slip could shift the balance, especially when the opponent is intent on exploiting space and exploiting moments of lapse in concentration.
In the Elche lineup, the same eleven used in recent days is expected to start, including Ivo Grbić in goal; Nahuel Molina, Axel Witsel, José María Giménez, Mario Hermoso, and Yannick Carrasco in defense; Rodrigo de Paul, Koke Resurrección, and Thomas Lemar in midfield; with Antoine Griezmann and Álvaro Morata leading the attack. This is the group that defeated Mallorca and Cádiz in recent fixtures, underscoring a growing confidence across the squad.
According to Simeone, the approach has been consistent for some time. The team has sought to balance stability with occasional strategic changes that could yield a competitive edge. The emphasis is on maintaining a regular, effective line of play and building from a foundation that favors reliable performance in every match. The objective remains straightforward: maximize the chances to win the game ahead while staying true to the club’s established philosophy.