Atlético Madrid will contest the second of three straight Madrid derbies when they travel to the south of the city to face Getafe CF on Sunday. Although not as big as their Champions League clashes with rivals Real Madrid, this fixture plays an important part in Los Colchoneros quest for the La Liga title.
Manager Diego Simeone has seemingly noted the importance; the Argentine is likely to rotate very few players for this match - if any at all. Perhaps a risky move with his side about to face Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in the same week (something that hasn't happened since January 2020).
During El Cholo’s time at the club, Atlético haven’t lost a single game against Los Azulones, and even went nearly ten years without conceding a goal. Since the game in which Geta did manage to score, the two teams have played out epic 4-3 and 3-3 matches.
As for this season, Atleti (16-8-2, 56 points) have a 6-0 aggregate score over Getafe (7-9-10, 30 points) in all competitions. A tight 1-0 home win in La Liga was followed by a 5-0 trouncing in the Copa del Rey.
Team news
Club captain Koke remains sidelined with injury, but will be the only player not featured in the matchday squad. Friday morning saw César Azpilicueta's return to first team training and will be available for Sunday's match.
Notably, the eleven players "rehearsed" by Simeone in Saturday morning's training contained just two changes from the team who lost to Madrid in midweek. Nahuel Molina was tested at right back to allow Marcos Llorente to take Pablo Barrios place at center midfield. Robin Le Normand (who got minutes at the Bernabéu) is likely to come in at the back, allowing José María Giménez to rest.
The day before also saw Azpilicueta, Reinildo and Rodrigo Riquelme involved which could hint at their involvement.
Diego Simeone: “Reinildo’s situation? I consider every decision carefully. Galán has been playing more because he benefits the team. We already know Reinildo’s defensive qualities—he has to be ready for when his moment comes, and given his character, he will be.” pic.twitter.com/8MCgJ2YpKm
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 8, 2025
All of this means there is likely to be little to no rest for those who played - and will play - an important role in the Champions League. Julián Álvarez was given his respite last weekend against Athletic Club, being brought on for the last half an hour, before playing the entirety of Tuesday's first leg against Real Madrid. He emphatically put himself on the scoresheet in both of those matches and will hope to add to his run of six goals in six games.
Eyes will also be on Antoine Griezmann, who was criticised for his performance against Los Blancos. But in Getafe he has a team against which he loves to score. El Principito's record of 12 goals against José Bordalas' men can only be bettered by his tallies against Valencia CF and Athletic throughout the course of his career.
Jose Bordalas: “Atleti currently has the best squad in its history.”
“They are still alive in all three competitions, has a chance to win any of them, and has a coach who has been delivering outstanding performances for years.”
“They also have the best squad [in La Liga], in… pic.twitter.com/kfTlwbSN5I
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 7, 2025
There are three Atleti players who are just one yellow card away from missing next week's league duel with Barcelona. Pablo Barrios, Giménez and Álvarez will all have to be careful they don't pick up a booking that would leave them suspended against La Liga's current top team. Simeone himself is also at risk of suspension
Predicted lineup
Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Giménez, Reinildo; Giuliano, De Paul, Llorente, Lino; Julián, Griezmann.
Este ha sido el último ensayo de Diego Pablo Simeone para el Getafe.
Se caerían Roro, Reinildo, Giménez y Barrios respecto al anterior del viernes.
⚠️Sin rotar a Griezmann ni a RDP y Julián.
️¿Qué te parece? pic.twitter.com/xZptGqi2r8
— Atlético Stats (@atletico_stats_) March 8, 2025