Atletico Madrid are hoping to bounce back from an opening day defeat when they play their first home game of the new season on Saturday. Newly promoted Elche provide the opposition.
Diego Simeone named five new signings in his first starting lineup of the 2025/26 campaign. It was by no means a disastrous opening hour, as Atleti took the lead against Espanyol thanks to a Julian Alvarez free-kick. However, they collapsed in the final 20 minutes, and sank to a shock 2-1 defeat as a result of Pere Milla’s brilliant late header.
That was the first time Los Rojiblancos have ever lost their first game of a new season under Diego Simeone. It’s vital they respond with three points here.
Elche will travel to the capital as huge underdogs, but with one point already on the board. They were on course to lose their opening game against Real Betis, but grabbed a late leveller thanks to German Valera’s close-range finish.
Under Eder Sarabia, they will look to dominate the ball even at the higher level. They had 68% of the possession against Betis, and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if they had more of the ball than their illustrious opponents in this one.
How the bookies view it: Atleti tipped to bounce back
The bookies are expecting Atletico Madrid to win their first home game of the season. They are priced at 2/9 to secure maximum points by Boylesports. You can back the draw at 9/2, while Elche are on offer at long odds of 11/1.
Recent head-to-head: Don’t expect both teams to score
None of the last six meetings between these clubs have seen both teams get on the scoresheet. Five of those matches were won by Atleti, including a Copa del Rey tie at the Martinez Valero earlier this year which they won 4-0. However, Elche did win the most recent La Liga encounter in May 2023.
Players to watch: Sorloth’s chance to shine
Having spent much of last season on the bench, Alexander Sorloth was again only a substitute on matchday one. He could be drafted into the lineup here, but if not, he’s sure to pose a threat if he’s introduced after the break.
The Norwegian averaged a goal every 78 minutes in La Liga last term, with 70% of his strikes coming in the second half. He’s available at 9/4 to score last in this game.
Predicted Lineups
The hosts will be forced into at least one change due to an injury for Alex Baena. Defender Jose Maria Gimenez is also a fitness doubt.
Elche are also going to be missing Adam Boayar and Yago Santiago due to injuries. They also have a doubt over Josan Ferrandez.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Ruggeri, Hancko, Le Normand, Llorente, Almada, Barrios, Cardoso, Simeone, Sorloth, Alvarez.
Elche: Dituro, Petrot, Bigas, Affengruber, Nunez, Neto, Aguado, Febas, Mendoza, A. Rodriguez, Valera.
Anything else catch the eye?
Losing Baena will leave Atleti short on creative options, particularly given Antoine Griezmann is currently out of favour after a really poor 2025 so far. With some adjustments still taking place after such a busy summer, it may be a few weeks yet before they really find their best form.
Given that, they may struggle to exert their authority on this game, despite the obvious gulf in quality that exists between the two sides. Backing Elche with a +2 handicap could be worth considering at 21/20 with Boylesports, while the same bookmaker has odds of 11/4 for Atletico Madrid to win by one goal.
GambleAware