Diego Pablo Simeone has today led the last training session in Majadahonda before tomorrow's Champions League debut for the red-and-whites. The Argentine coach is aware of the great demands that there are in this month of September, with numerous matches and very little rest. For this reason, he is thinking of making some rotations with respect to the last match against Valencia, preparing a huge surprise.
So far, there have been no surprises in this round, with all the favourites winning. Atlético de Madrid 's aim is to try to avoid the qualifying round, which they might have to play if they don't finish in the top eight. The only thing that is certain is that both Pablo Barrios and Thomas Lemar will be absent as they continue with their respective recoveries.
Conor Gallagher abandons Koke
One of the positive notes in recent matches has been the level of the English international , who has made two consecutive starts. Conor Gallagher had made his debut in the victory against Girona at the Metropolitano, leaving very good impressions. In the match against Valencia, he was chosen as the best player after scoring his first goal with the colchoneros shirt.
However, Simeone seems to have changed his plans for the match against Leipzig , relegating the Englishman to the bench. The chosen one to jump into the starting eleven would be Rodrigo Riquelme , who would again occupy the position of wing-back. For his part, Samuel Lino would also start, but would again move forward alongside Koke, as has been seen in other matches.
Conor Gallagher 's substitution has raised some doubts among fans, as physicality could be key against the German team. Something that has always identified Leipzig is their high pressure and speed on the counterattack, something that the Englishman could have countered. Obviously, Simeone could change his plan again before the kick-off, something that would not be strange for the Argentine coach.
The night of Julian Alvarez
The world champion seems to be the one who will surely start, accompanied in the attacking duo by Antoine Griezmann . Last Sunday, Julián Alvarez made his debut as a goal scorer for Atlético de Madrid after coming off the bench and taking advantage of a loose ball in the six-yard box. Now, he will make his Champions League debut with the red and white jersey and hopes to be able to give the same performance as he did at Manchester City .
Obviously, the Argentine already knows what it is like to lift the trophy, as he achieved it in 2023 after defeating Inter Milan in the grand final. Now, he seeks to make history in the Madrid entity, achieving the only title that Simeone is missing at the Metropolitano. The other novelty would be the ownership of César Azpilicueta , who once again beats Reinildo to occupy the left-handed profile.