The Reliable bookmaker announces a struggle between Spanish representatives in the Champions League on August 25.
Challenge Real Madrid
Atletico qualified for the Champions League, but for the first time since 2012, they failed to make it into the La Liga top three. Los Colchoneros see the need for major changes and will try to challenge Real for the title. It is not an easy task, but Atletico was also not considered favorites in 2014 and 2021 when they became the champions. The ability of Diego Simeone’s team to succeed in the derby is unquestionable, as Real twice suffered defeats against their compatriots from Madrid last season.
The club’s transfer campaign is not over yet – the signing of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher will come soon. Still, the changes in Atletico’s squad can already be called significant. The team parted ways with defenders Stefan Savic and Mario Hermoso, midfielder Saúl Ñíguez, forwards Alvaro Morata and Memphis Depay. These players were in decline or needed new challenges.
European champion Robin Le Normand will strengthen Atletico’s defense. At the same time, the World Cup winner, Julian Alvarez, and one of La Liga’s top scorers, Alexander Sørloth, are set to finish off passes from Antoine Griezmann.
Second album syndrome
“A terrible summer. We are broken,” said Girona coach Michel. But is it that bad? Girona played as usual in the first round: they had more than 60% of the ball possession, combined a lot, and achieved a 1-1 draw on Betis’ pitch – just like the previous season. But we will certainly remember this phrase from the Catalan manager more than once this year.
Girona’s game will not change, but the obvious decline in the squad’s quality makes the chances of repeating their former success and finishing in the La Liga top three slim. Last season’s top scorer, Artem Dovbyk, Savinho, Yan Couto, Eric Garcia, and Aleix Garcia, are gone. The rich clubs have gutted the White and Reds, so Míchel will perform a real miracle if he quickly integrates newcomers into his style without deteriorating results.
Head-to-head matches
The renewed Girona needs to overcome the unpleasant traditions of the past – on the Atletico pitch, the Catalans lost the previous three games, conceding 7 goals.