Atl. Madrid vs Leganes Prediction: 20/10/2024

After an eventful transfer window, Atlético Madrid hoped to be a major contender in the title race, rather than playing second fiddle to Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. However, as of now, Antoine Griezmann and his teammates find themselves in 3rd place, trailing the Merengue by 4 points and the Blaugrana by 7.

Before the international break, Atlético traveled to the Basque Country to face Real Sociedad, Griezmann’s former club. Despite a brilliant assist from the Frenchman, the Colchoneros couldn’t secure a win, settling for a 1-1 draw. This was their second consecutive draw following the Madrid derby, also a 1-1 result at home against Real Madrid. Factoring in their heavy 4-0 defeat in the Champions League against Benfica, Atlético Madrid is currently on a three-match winless streak across all competitions.

Leganes, recently promoted to La Liga, has modest ambitions with survival being their primary goal. However, staying in the top tier looks like a tough challenge for the Pepineros. They enter this clash stuck in a seven-game winless run in La Liga, with three losses against Mallorca (0-1), Real Betis (2-0), and Athletic Bilbao (0-2). Nevertheless, they managed to salvage three draws recently, including a 1-1 against Getafe, another 1-1 at Rayo Vallecano, and a 0-0 against Valencia before the break.

For Atlético, Marcos Llorente, who was suspended for the Real Sociedad match, is available for selection but remains doubtful due to an injury. César Azpilicueta is also struggling with fitness issues, while Robin Le Normand could return after suffering a head injury.

Antoine Griezmann, who has contributed 2 goals and 4 assists in La Liga, will feature, having rested during the international break after withdrawing from France’s squad. Frenchmen Clément Lenglet (on loan from Barcelona) and Thomas Lemar (recently back from a long-term injury) are also available, along with Argentine internationals Ángel Correa, Rodrigo De Paul, and Nahuel Molina.

On the Leganes side, Munir El Haddadi, who joined from Las Palmas over the summer, remains sidelined with an injury, along with Naim Garcia, who has been out since the start of the season. However, loaned striker Sebastian Haller (from Borussia Dortmund) will be fit to play, while Miguel de la Fuente, who scored 13 goals in the second division last season, has yet to open his account in La Liga.

 

Prediction

Leganes are struggling at the bottom of La Liga, and their record of defeats reflects their tough season at the top level. Although Atlético Madrid hasn’t been in their best form recently, their record of 10 wins from their last 18 home matches suggests they should have enough to secure a narrow victory.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 1 : 0 Leganes