1. Main Players Comparison
Atlético Madrid:
- Departures: Rodrigo De Paul (3G, 5A), Ángel Correa (4G, 1A, left), César Azpilicueta (1A, left).
- Core Retained: Oblak (36 apps, 0 GA contributions), Julián Álvarez (17G, 4A), Griezmann (8G, 7A), Barrios (1G, 4A), Llorente (2G, 4A).
- Defensive Stability: Le Normand, Giménez, Lenglet. Some aging profiles (Azpi, Witsel gone).
- Total Core Impact: ~28 goals, ~24 assists.
Elche CF:
- Departures: Nicolás Fernández Mercau, Nicolás Castro, Óscar Plano, Rashani, Kaba, Agustín Álvarez (loss of forward depth).
- Remaining Core: Fidel (creative AM, 4G, 3A last season), Gumbau (midfield anchor), Clerc (LB).
- Attack weakened: Loss of several forwards and wide options reduces experience up front.
- Total Core Output: Heavily diminished compared to last season.
2. New Players Comparison
Atlético Madrid:
- Key Additions:
• Álex Baena (7G, 9A) – strong creative option.
• Thiago Almada (1G, 4A in limited minutes) – high upside.
• Sørloth (20G, 2A) – proven scorer.
• Hancko (solid CB, 3G, 1A).
• Gallagher (3G, 3A) – energetic midfield.
- Impact: ~31 goals, ~19 assists added across midfield and attack.
Elche CF:
- Key Additions:
• André Silva (striker, proven Bundesliga record).
• Rafa Mir (rotational striker from Sevilla).
• Federico Redondo (young DM, ball progression).
• Víctor Chust (CB depth).
• Germán Valera (RW, but left again).
- Impact: Silva + Mir provide real forward presence, but rest are developmental.
3. Substitutes Comparison
Atlético Madrid:
- Bench Threats: Lino (3G, 4A), Riquelme (1A), Reinildo (rotation LB), Azpi gone.
- Impact Players: Sørloth may rotate in as a “super-sub” if not starting.
- Bench Output: ~8 goals, 6 assists.
Elche CF:
- Bench Options: Á. Rodríguez (young CF), Núñez (winger), Neto (CM), Pétrot (LB).
- Impact: Mostly youth or unproven at La Liga level.
- Bench Output: Minimal proven stats.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
Category | Atlético Madrid | Elche CF |
Main Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Álvarez, Griezmann, Oblak intact) | ⭐⭐ (loss of scorers, thin) |
New Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Sørloth, Baena, Almada) | ⭐⭐ (Silva, Mir add presence) |
Substitutes | ⭐⭐⭐ (Lino, Sørloth depth) | ⭐ (largely untested) |
Coach Factor | Stable (Simeone system) | Rebuilding |
Defensive Impact | Solid with Hancko/Le Normand | Lacks reliability |
Overall Depth | High | Thin |
Key Weakness | Midfield aging, depth reliance | Lost too many core attackers |
5. Predicted Outcome
Tactical Outlook:
- Atlético Madrid bring reinforced firepower (Sørloth + Baena + Almada) and retain Griezmann/Álvarez. Defensive core remains compact under Simeone.
- Elche have attempted to replace outgoing forwards (Silva, Mir), but cohesion is a question. Depth and creativity clearly weakened after multiple exits.
Expected Scoreline:
- Atlético Madrid 3 – 0 Elche CF
