Athletic and Atlético claim their leading role in a Champions League pulse

Everything revolves around the Sunday classic at the Bernabéu, but two historical ones such as Athletic and Atlético intend to demonstrate in their Champions League clash this Saturday in San Mamés that there are other games and teams in the League that are not as mediatic, but just as well they interest They are measured third against fourth, with a difference point in favor of the people from Bilbao, in a litmus test to confirm the good moment of Ernesto Valverde’s team and to know if Cholo Simeone’s army has overcome the draw against Bruges that left on the ropes in the top continental competition and can find some way to mitigate between the divorce between the Argentine coach and Joao Félix.

It is true that the calendar has been quite kind to the Biscayans at the start of the season, but the illusion is overflowing in the ‘Botxo’ before what could be Athletic’s sixth victory this season. A success that would allow him to see Madrid-Barça just two points behind both. The best summary of the mood of the people from Bilbao is that they tied at the Sánchez-Pizjuán and returned home with the feeling of having lost two points despite the fact that the people from Seville went ahead and that Ander Herrera avoided defeat in added time with a fault that cost him an expulsion that the protagonist himself assumed as fair.

Also in the physical aspect the lions are surely cooler than the mattresses. They have been able to prepare for the match with care throughout the week while their rivals focused their attention on Club Brugge until Wednesday night. It is normal to complain about a strange calendar that does not let up, but there are no excuses. Valverde will rely on the block that works so well for him, perhaps with the only novelty of Mikel Vesga, already recovered from the muscular problems that led to Dani García’s eleven.

Dani Vivian and Yuri Berchiche are also available, but Txingurri may wait with them until Tuesday’s match in Getafe. A special appointment for captain Iker Muniain, who has not yet turned 30, will enter the ‘top 5’ of players with the most appearances at Athletic (508).

more background

At Atlético there is a background sea and permanent debate, although the team has relaunched itself in the League with consecutive victories against Sevilla and Girona and is still undefeated away from home. The controversy revolves around the bad relationship between his star player, at least because he cost 128 million, and the highest paid coach on the planet.

In recent times, Joao Félix chained four substitutions and only 29 minutes in those games. This situation contrasts with the journey of ‘Menino’ at the beginning of the season, when he started in seven of the first eight games, including the derby against Real Madrid that marked the turning point.

There are some doubts in the mattress eleven, with probable changes due to the enormous physical and mental wear and tear and because the team has not scored in three consecutive Champions League games, although they did create numerous chances. With regard to Bruges, in principle the defense can remain intact and it is likely that Witsel will return in midfield, although Kondogbia was the best against the Belgians, and Morata will come out on top, either accompanied by Correa or Joao. Nor is Cunha ruled out, especially if one takes into account that the Brazilian and Morata completed a great performance when Cholo lined them up together in Seville (0-2).

There was a time when Athletic was a favorable rival for Simeone, but reality says that Atlético has not won at San Mamés since the 17-18 season. Since then, three losses and a draw at La Catedral. The Basques also won the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.