Atlético Madrid host Athletic Club at the Cívitas Metropolitano on Saturday 27 September 2026 (18:30 CEST). Atleti held Real Sociedad to a tense 1–1 in Jornada 5; Athletic drew 1–1 at Elche. Both sides sit on 8 points in the chasing pack, behind the Clásico duo. Three points at the Metropolitano keeps either club within striking distance of the top two.
Atlético Madrid: building around Julián
Diego Simeone's Atlético are scoring more freely than last season — Julián Álvarez leads with six La Liga goals, Griezmann pulling strings as the second striker in a compact 4-4-2. The Metropolitano crowd will demand the ball and press; Athletic's structured 4-2-3-1 will need to withstand early pressure.
Atlético Madrid Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-4-2
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Athletic Club: the Basque challenge
Ernesto Valverde's Athletic arrive off the Elche draw — Williams brothers (Iñaki and Nico) both started but the attack misfired. At the Metropolitano, Athletic will focus on denying space and hitting on transitions — a plan that has earned them points at Sevilla and Valencia this season.
Facts to know
- Atlético Madrid are 3rd on 8 points (8 scored, 5 conceded) through Jornada 5.
- Last time out (J5): Real Sociedad 1–1 Atlético Madrid — Griezmann equaliser late.
- Atlético's key man: Julián Álvarez (6 La Liga goals, 8 in all competitions).
- Athletic Club are 4th on 8 points (7 scored, 6 conceded) through Jornada 5.
- Last time out (J5): Athletic Club 1–1 Elche — Nico Williams struck from range.
- Athletic's key man: Iñaki Williams (4 goals, 3 assists across all competitions).
- Atlético have kept three clean sheets at the Metropolitano this season — among the best home defensive records in La Liga.
- Athletic have won just once in their last seven visits to the Metropolitano in all competitions.
Tactical edge
Simeone's well-organised defensive block to then spring Álvarez on the transition vs Valverde's mid-block and long-ball to Iñaki Williams — expect an intense, physical contest with few clear chances but maximum intensity.
Prediction
Atlético's home fortress and Álvarez's form make them slight favourites. Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2–0 Athletic Club.