Diego Simeone made a total of 11 changes to his Atlético Madrid starting lineup for their LaLiga match against Valencia, completely revamping the team that played Arsenal in the Champions League semifinal playoff first leg on Wednesday.
The Atlético lineup featured a heavily rotated squad with a blend of fringe players and academy talents, including Juan Musso in goal and a defense consisting of Clément Lenglet and Robin Le Normand.
Antoine Griezmann entered the game as a substitute with 17 minutes remaining, while notable absentees from the squad included Giuliano Simeone, Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth, and Dávid Hancko.
Seven academy players were included in the Atlético squad, with three coming off the bench. The young team managed to secure a 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Iker Luque and Miguel Llorente.
The team’s focus clearly shifted to resting players, as Atlético provided their starters from Wednesday with six days off before the return leg on Tuesday, with the aggregate tied at 1-1.
The first leg was marked by penalties and some VAR controversy, featuring conversions from Álvarez and Viktor Gyökeres.
This isn’t the first time Simeone has turned to his broader squad to prioritize European commitments this season; he previously made 10 changes for a LaLiga match against Getafe on March 14, tucked between both legs of their round of 16 tie with Tottenham Hotspur.
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Meanwhile, Arsenal made five changes ahead of their Premier League clash with Fulham. Captain Martin Ødegaard did not make the squad, while Martín Zubimendi, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, and Piero Hincapié were all placed on the bench.
Atlético’s XI vs. Arsenal on Wednesday: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman; Griezmann, Álvarez
Atlético’s XI vs. Valencia on Saturday: Musso, Díaz, Lenglet, Le Normand, Boñar; Morcillo, Vargas, Mendoza, N. Molina; Almada, Belaid