Atletico de Madrid shape up for Barcelona clash with La Liga lead in sight

Diego Simeone has begun finalising his Atletico de Madrid side for Sunday’s La Liga meeting with Barcelona, with the hosts able to move top of the table if they win at the Metropolitano.

Barcelona lead the standings on 30 points, two clear of second-placed Atletico de Madrid. The match, which will be played on Sunday, 08 November 2026, is the 12th round of the Spanish league season.

According to Marca, Simeone has been working with particular focus ahead of the visit of Barcelona as he considers the changes required for a game that could have a significant impact on the title race.

One of the main selection issues concerns the defensive midfield position. Cuti Romero was absent from training, while Johnny Cardoso joined the group for a second successive day.

Cardoso’s return indicates that he has fully recovered from his injury and is ready to compete for the holding midfield role he had occupied before being sidelined.

Koke is expected to provide protection for Pablo Barrios in midfield. The Atletico captain played the second half of the Champions League match against Bayern Munich and has now regained a greater level of competitive sharpness, strengthening his case for a place in the starting XI.

Koke’s return would also allow Marcos Llorente to move back to right-back, with Cesar Azpilicueta? Wait no source says “اعادة بوبيل الى قلب الدفاع” = return Pubill to centre-back, and Le Normand loses place. Need not add Azpilicueta. Let’s correct.

Koke’s return would also allow Marcos Llorente to move back to right-back and Pubill to return to central defence. Robin Le Normand would consequently be the player to drop out compared with the previous line-up.

Simeone also tested a notable change in attack. Lee Kang-in was restored alongside Julian Alvarez, meaning Alexander Sørloth would begin on the bench after making an impact as a substitute against the German side Bayern Munich.

The first team tested by Simeone ahead of Sunday’s match was: Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Pubill, David Hancko, Alex Grimaldo; Giuliano Simeone, Koke, Pablo Barrios, Alex Baena; Lee Kang-in, Julian Alvarez.