Atlético Madrid - Girona arrives with the Metropolitano set to frame Antoine Griezmann’s farewell. Atlético want the result to match the moment, and they are expected to lean on a possible starting lineup built around several injury absences.
The clearest thread is Griezmann himself. At 34, he is set to be despedido at home, and Atlético are trying to send him off with a win in front of their own crowd.
Hancko returns for Atlético
Dávid Hancko is back in the starting lineup after recovering from an ankle injury, giving Atlético a central defensive option they had been missing. Marc Pubill is also expected to return at right back because of Molina’s injury and Llorente’s suspension, which keeps the back line in motion even as the club tries to settle the team for the Girona match.
Juan Musso has alternated with Oblak throughout the season and has delivered good performances, while Robin Le Normand came off the bench against Celta after the injured Giménez and was strong in aerial play. Those moves point to a side that is still adjusting around absences rather than one that can repeat the same back four from week to week.
Koke, Vargas, Mendoza
Koke remains the captain and symbol of the team, and he has missed only four matches in this Liga season. His presence gives Atlético a steadier center in a lineup that also could feature Obed Vargas and Rodrigo Mendoza in different midfield roles.
Vargas stood out in the win at Mestalla, where he provided a key assist against Valencia and played his ninth league match against Celta. Mendoza, meanwhile, would move back into midfield for this match after replacing Giuliano Simeone on the right flank, coming off a strong performance against Valencia in which he was the player with the most dribbles.
Griezmann’s Metropolitano sendoff
The lineup choices matter because the match is not being treated as an ordinary home fixture. Atlético want the performance to end with a victory for Griezmann, and the combination of injury changes, Hancko’s return, and Pubill’s expected move back into the defense shapes how they can try to do it.
For supporters at the Metropolitano, the practical picture is simple: the focus is on a home win for a player who has become the face of the club’s latest era. The result against Girona will decide whether Griezmann’s farewell lands as a clean sendoff or as one more night defined by the absences Atlético have had to manage.
