“Simeone will make wholesale changes to his Atletico side on Saturday,” a source close to the club revealed. As Atletico Madrid gears up for their Champions League semi-final, the focus shifts away from their La Liga clash with Valencia.
On May 2, 2026, at the Estadio de Mestalla, Atletico will face a Valencia team that’s hungry for points. Currently sitting fourth in La Liga with 60 points, Atletico is ten points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis but has struggled lately—drawing 1-1 with Arsenal in the Champions League first leg and losing seven of their last ten games across all competitions.
Valencia, on the other hand, comes off a recent victory against Girona, winning 2-1. They’re currently twelfth in La Liga with 39 points, just five points clear of the relegation zone. Their recent form suggests they’re finding their stride—Umar Sadiq has scored two goals in his last two appearances, adding to the optimism surrounding the team.
Key match statistics:
- Atletico Madrid has only won four of their 16 away league games this season.
- Historically, Valencia has won 66 out of 200 matches against Atletico Madrid.
- The last encounter ended in a 2-1 victory for Atletico Madrid.
- Valencia is only three points behind ninth-placed Osasuna.
- Valencia will be without Mouctar Diakhaby and Dimitri Foulquier due to injuries.
The stakes are high for both teams. Diego Simeone faces a dilemma—prioritize the Champions League or secure vital points in La Liga? The atmosphere at Mestalla promises to be electric as both sides aim for different objectives.
This match could be pivotal for Valencia as they seek to climb further away from relegation fears. With their current form and home advantage, they might just pull off an upset against a distracted Atletico side.
The next round of fixtures will see how this distraction plays out for Atletico as they continue to navigate both domestic and European challenges ahead.
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