Atlético Madrid return to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on 23rd August, hoping to right the wrongs of a disastrous start to their La Liga campaign. Diego Simeone's side face newly promoted Elche in a game that should be make-or-break for both clubs as they attempt to gain early-season momentum.

• Date: 23rd August 2025

• Time: 17:30 UTC

• Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid

• Competition: La Liga, Round 2

Los Rojiblancos entered this match in 14th place in the La Liga table after going down 2-1 to Espanyol in their 1st match. The loss was a concern for Simeone's side, who will be keen to make it up to their home supporters.

Despite the defeat, Atlético Madrid possesses plenty of quality in their squad. The pair of Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez up front brings pace and creativity, with Thiago Almada's midfield play dovetailing to connect defense to attack.

The visitors travel to Madrid in high spirits after their solid return to La Liga. Sitting 9th in the table at present, having held Real Betis to a 1-1 draw, Elche have demonstrated that they possess the ability to compete with the best.

With coach Eder Sarabia Armesto at the helm, Elche have fashioned a sturdy brand of football that may give Atlético's historically impressive defense some headaches. Germán Valera spearheads their attack, ably supported by an efficient midfield corps.

• José María Giménez – Uncertain

• Alejandro Baena - Out

• Yago Santiago – Out

• Adam Boayar – Out

• Josan – Uncertain

Antoine Griezmann vs Diego González

• The confrontation between Griezmann's attacking threat and González's defensive prowess will prove to be the determining factor. Griezmann's movement in the final 3rd and the ability to conjure up chances from what seems like impossible spaces make him Atlético's greatest threat. His experience in big games gives him an edge over Elche's defense.

Thiago Almada vs Aleix Febas

• This midfield struggle is the heart of the 2 teams' tactics. Almada's attack-oriented play and vision are countered by Febas's more tactical, possession-oriented approach. The Argentine's vision to find passes and create opportunities might be the key to breaking down Elche's well-coordinated shape.

Jan Oblak vs Germán Valera

• Slovenia's Jan Oblak will face his biggest test against Elche's key attacking resource. Valera's pace and finishing have been the reasons for Elche's recent improvement, but he'll need to overcome one of La Liga's best goalkeepers.

Atlético Madrid has enjoyed a resounding advantage in recent matches between these 2 teams. The record is evident:

The data proves Atlético's dominance with 4 wins in their last 5 matches. They've scored 9 goals, allowing a single goal, demonstrating their tactics of excellence in this match.

Atlético Madrid's Last 5 Matches:

Los Colchoneros have been inconsistent, defeating sides in friendly games but falling to Real Madrid in their La Liga opener. Their defense has been a cause of concern, conceding four times in their last 5 games.

Elche go into this game with growing confidence after their good performance against Real Betis. Recent results show they are capable of causing issues for the opposing defenses by scoring 6 in the last 5 games.

• Atlético Madrid: 14th (0 points from 1 game)

• Elche: 9th (1 point from 1 game)

• Atlético Madrid have won 4 of their last 5 against Elche

• Both teams scored in only 2 of Atlético's last 5 matches

• Elche secured only 1 draw out of 5 recent matches with over 2.5 goals

• Jan Oblak has a 6.5 performance record this season

• Germán Valera leads Elche with a 7.7 performance rating

Stake.com Betting Odds:

• Atlético Madrid to win: 1.25

• Draw: 6.00

• Elche to win: 13.00

These odds underwrite Atlético Madrid's overwhelming favoritism, even if they have fallen behind early in the campaign. The bookmakers believe that Simeone's team will easily overcome promoted opponents.

• Our Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2-0 Elche

Atlético's home advantage, improved team strength, and previous dominance of Elche mean they will take their 1st points of the campaign. The return to the Metropolitano will be the spark for improved performance, with Griezmann and Álvarez poised to cut loose against the defense of Elche.

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This La Liga game provides Atlético Madrid with the perfect opportunity to relaunch their season. While Elche has shown stirring determination at their rise through the ranks, there remains a gulf in class between these 2 clubs. Expect Simeone's tactical brilliance and home confidence to prove the decisive factors in securing 3 points.

The game starts at 17:30 UTC, with the promise of 90 minutes of interesting football as both sides pursue their individual seasonal aspirations.