Atlético left the Santiago Bernabéu with their heads held high. He was able to compete again in numerical inferiority, something that is already customary in derbies and added a point despite the fact that the scenario was completely unfavorable. The victory was close, but he put his heart into not leaving empty. And the Real Sociedad fell in Mestalla. However, he also left hurt. Against Sevilla (Saturday, 9:00 p.m.) he is forced to reinvent himself. And there is bad news in the locker room: Reinildo Mandava will have to be out of action for more than half a year.
The Mozambican has won over the locker room with his humility, hard work, positive mentality and extraordinary performance. No one has played more than him since his arrival. Not Oblak. And in an action where he tried to protect the ball against Valverde he ended up in the worst possible way. Another hit. Simeone does not have a natural substitute either, since Reguilón has been injured despite not participating in the matches. At the Bernabéu he opted for Giménez as a replacement, with Hermoso falling to the wing in attack and Carrasco acting as winger. The 2020-21 League title system and the best asset for the coach… as long as his centrals are healthy. The Reinildo thing is the worst of the derby and a huge setback for the remainder of the course.
But, looking to the next day, Simeone has to cover more holes. Despite the fact that Atlético only competes in the League, the squad falls short. Llorente ended the duel with discomfort. Lemar was preparing to replace Saúl, but the man from Madrid asked for the change. And in the disciplinary section, Correa saw the direct red which will also entail a sanction despite the exaggeration of the action. Nahuel Molina received his fifth league yellow and it will also be his turn to cheer from outside the pitch. The three world champions of the albiceleste out, since De Paul is injured and it is difficult to arrive. And Kondogbia also missed the match due to physical problems. Simeone can find himself with seven of his 22 players out and will be forced to look at the quarry. Also to the winter signings like Matt Doherty, who hasn’t debuted yet, and Memphis. Pablo Barrios already won his place in the first team and against Real Madrid he made his seventh start. Saúl has gained importance in the face of the team’s needs and Hermoso is a fixed back after the break. El Cholo will have to squeeze his squad.