20 August 2021, 14:12 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Spanish La Liga fixture, Atletico Madrid vs. Elche C.F. kicks off at 18:30 (GMT+1) on Sunday, August 22 at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.
Preview Atlético Madrid La Liga, Aug 22, 2021
Preview Champions, Atletico Madrid return behind a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo in the game which finished with 10-men apiece on the opening day of the season. A rocket of a shot from Angel Correa (23') put the champions in the lead before a handball in the box gave Celta Vigo the opportunity to find the leveller. Iago Aspas (59' P.) stepped around the ball before producing an exquisite penalty kick which sent Oblak diving the wrong way. However, Angel Correa (64') returned for the brace to restore Atletico Madrid's lead. The game degenerated into complete chaos after things got heated following a foul on Suarez, - leaving the referee pulling out the red for Hugo Mallo (R. 90'+5) and ATL Madrid's Mario Hermoso (R. 90'+5) in stoppage time. Following a winning start, Diego Simeone will be in the hunt for back-to-back victories on the second day of the season when he lines up an unconventional 3--1--4--2 formation with Angel Correa and Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco leading the lines. Meanwhile, Luis Suarez is expected to make another off-the-bench appearance before the game against Elche comes to an end. Centre-back, Felipe and forward, João Félix are both ruled out of this fixture while Mario Hermoso is suspended for this game after picking up the red against Celta Vigo.
Preview Elche La Liga, Aug 22, 2021
Preview Elche put in a solid performance in the goalless draw against Athletic Club Bilbao on the opening day of the season. Several clear-cut chances went by at both ends of the pitch as both sides failed to find the required quality in front of goal. Elche took 8 shots, - with 2 on target after having 51% of the ball. In what appears to be a difficult task, head coach, Fran Escribá would be hoping for another solid performance from the Green-striped ones come Match Day 2 when they meet the champions. Fran Escribá could line up with three at the back in an attacking-minded 3--5--2 formation. The attacking duo consisting of centre-forward, Lucas Boye and left-winger, Pere Milla may be seen once again. A victory over ATL Madrid looks unlikely for Escribá but a draw would do when the Green-striped ones visit the champions on Sunday evening. Luckily, the former Atletico Madrid assistant (2009-2011), Fran Escribá would be able to make his selection from a fully fit squad ahead of this weekend's game. Newly acquired defensive midfielder, Iván Marcone is yet to get his debut and could be doing so on Sunday.