Atletico Prepares for Crucial Match Against Las Palmas

Atletico Madrid is set to face Las Palmas with Diego Simeone highlighting the team's strengths and weaknesses ahead of the crucial match.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone praised striker Alexander Sorloth ahead of the team's LaLiga match against Las Palmas. Sorloth, who joined Atletico from Villarreal in August, has scored 12 league goals despite often starting behind Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann.

Simeone expressed his satisfaction with Sorloth's contributions, saying, “I'm very happy with his work, I let him know that. Everything he's giving us, when he's had to start or come in to change some games that weren't on track.” The manager highlighted Sorloth's impact off the bench, adding that the Norwegian's role is to make a difference in key moments.

Simeone further praised Sorloth's abilities, describing him as “a penalty area striker” who fulfills his role and is important for the team. “The passages of the games are very changeable and he is fulfilling his role, being important for the team,” Simeone said, emphasizing Sorloth's value to Atletico's success.

Atletico Madrid, currently third in the league standings with 63 points from 31 matches, aims to close the gap on leaders Barcelona and Real Madrid with a win over Las Palmas on Saturday. Las Palmas, struggling to avoid relegation, will be a tough opponent.

Simeone warned of the challenges Las Palmas poses, saying, “Las Palmas have a coach who works very well. He knows how to compete in this situation. They have competed well and that's important.” He added, “They have good direct play, good transition with guys with good feet.”

Simeone also highlighted the threat posed by Las Palmas' striker Fabio Silva, saying, “Striker Fabio Silva has great physical strength. He has an effort for everything in attack. Any coach who has him appreciates that.” Atletico will need to be at their best to overcome Las Palmas' physicality and direct style.

Atletico Madrid's forward Angel Correa has completed a five-game suspension for insulting a referee in a league loss at Getafe in March and will be available for the match against Las Palmas.

Simeone acknowledged the impact of Correa's absence, saying, “We missed him, without a doubt. He's a player who, when he comes on, has shown over the years that he can be decisive and he gives us a lot of things.” The manager also praised Correa's commitment, adding, “Now we have been training very well every day that he wasn't able to compete, with the commitment he has always had to the team...”

The lads for Las Palmas! pic.twitter.com/G1DuA17wLD

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 18, 2025