Atlético Gives Early Vacation to 4 World Cup Players

U.D. Almería

The Atlético has released the four players, all of whom are out of action for the last league commitment. None were in Simeone’s plans for Sunday’s visit to Villarreal, a match that will close a particularly busy season for the rojiblanco team.

The match at La Cerámica holds sporting and economic importance. Atlético is playing to finish on the podium, a position they have held in every full season under Simeone except the 2023-24 season, when Girona kept them out of the top three. There is also more than six million euros at stake.

Eight absences for the final match

The Madrid team only needs a draw, although a win would also allow them to finish ahead of Villarreal. Simeone faces the 61st match of the season with eight absences, after a campaign in which Atlético only missed out on playing the Spanish Super Cup final and the Champions League final.

In addition to the absences of Julián Alvarez, Nahuel Molina, Nico Gonzalez, and Josema Giménez, those of Pablo Barrios, Mendoza, and Cardoso are also added, also due to injury. Le Normand, on the other hand, will not be present due to accumulation of yellow cards.

Cholo gave the squad a rest starting Sunday, a day marked by Griezmann’s farewell from the Metropolitano, until returning to work this Thursday. The next match will be the last for the Little Prince wearing the rojiblanco jersey, with 501 matches played and, if he does not add to his tally at La Cerámica, 212 goals as an Atlético player.