Atlético de Madrid travel to Getafe on Wednesday evening with a chance to mathematically win the UEFA Champions League for the 2024/25 season.
Atlético Madrid (22-4-9, 70 points) won consecutive games by a score of 1-0, showing a defensive security towards the end of the season that was unfortunately lacking for the vast majority of countryside. Nonetheless, the results put Atlético on course to secure a top four finish and a 12th consecutive season next year playing in the Champions League. Just one point is enough on Wednesday night – although Diego Simeone hinted on Tuesday that he wants the club to think bigger next season.
“I think it’s an interesting question for another period of the season, not when there is still a little time left,” Simeone replied when asked about the ambition of the board of directors of the ‘Atlético. “I live for today and for what happens today. But if you ask me again, we can discuss in more depth something that I think is an interesting question.
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Local rival Getafe (10-13-12, 43 points) seeks to avoid defeat against Atlético for the third consecutive match. Mid-table Azulones collected the majority of their points (29/43) at the Coliseum, but José Bordalás’ men have won just one of their last six matches.
Atlético have expressed their interest in Getafe star winger Mason Greenwood on loan from Manchester United. Greenwood has impressed during his loan spell, with eight goals and six assists in 30 LALIGA games, and another strong performance on Wednesday will only increase chatter around the 21-year-old.
“Getafe is a rival that has always competed very well, with the characteristics of its manager,” Simeone said. “It’s a team that has grown offensively and it’s going to be a tough game.”
Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
Simeone will have almost every player available for this midweek round, as midfielder Thomas Lemar is back training with the team after overcoming Achilles and groin injuries – meaning that only right-back Nahuel Molina remains absent. Josema Giménez is in contention to return to the heart of defense after being rested against Celta Vigo, while Rodrigo de Paul should be rewarded for his winning goal on Sunday with a start at the Colosseum. Ángel Correa and Antoine Griezmann will be the starting attackers, as has been the case in recent matches.
Date May 15, 2024
Location Colosseum Stadium, Getafe, Madrid
Kick-off time 10:00 p.m. CEST, 9:00 p.m. BST, 4:00 p.m. ET, 1:00 p.m. PT
TV/streaming available ESPN+ (US), Movistar+ (Spain), LaLiga TV (UK)
