One of the positive notes of last season was the great performance of Atlético de Madrid when they had to compete at home. In fact, Simeone was very close to challenging the historical record of victories in the league championship, reaching 16. However, that same figure was achieved in the 1991-92 season, losing in the decisive duel against Osasuna at the Metropolitano.
This season, Simeone wants to turn his stadium into a real fortress again in order to be able to fight for all the titles. The Argentine coach is aware of the importance of the support of his fans, and it is essential to get the maximum number of points possible. The red-and-white team already gave up a draw against Espanyol in the third matchday and they do not want to suffer any more setbacks of that kind.
A record-breaking Simeone
Atlético de Madrid proved to be one of the strongest teams at home last season, in all competitions. They managed to win every game they played up to the Champions League quarter-finals, losing just one game in the Copa del Rey . However, as far as the league championship is concerned, Simeone came very close to breaking the all-time record for home wins.
The red-and-white coach equalled the 16 victories achieved in the 1991-92 season, falling just one game short of beating that record. The decisive match was against Osasuna in the penultimate matchday, with the colchoneros losing by a resounding 1-4 result. This season, Simeone wants to try to surpass that figure and achieve a new milestone at Atlético de Madrid .
On Sunday, the Colchoneros face their third match at the Metropolitano after beating Girona and drawing against Espanyol . This slip-up against the Catalan team could be key, as Simeone can only afford to slip up twice at home if he wants to break the record. After the match against Valencia on Sunday, they will receive visits from Leipzig in the Champions League and Real Madrid on the 29th.
Atletico Madrid will make rotations
Simeone is aware of the demands that September will bring and plans to make changes to his starting line-up for Sunday. Ángel Correa could start in the starting eleven while Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sorloth will rest and could get minutes after the break. On the other hand, one of the big unknowns will be who will replace Pablo Barrios , who will be out for several weeks.
The Atletico youth player has a muscle injury and Simeone will have to look for a reliable replacement for the next few games. Koke is undisputed and everything points to Conor Gallagher starting ahead of Rodrigo de Paul on Sunday. In addition, Jan Oblak will return to the starting line-up after missing the game against Athletic Club and only playing one match against Slovenia.