7M - Match Preview: Real Oviedo vs Atletico Madrid – Atletico Madrid Seek Third Straight Win Away at Struggling Real Oviedo

Atletico Madrid travel to the Estadio Nuevo Carlos Tartiere on Saturday night, aiming to solidify their top-four standing with a third consecutive victory across all competitions. While Diego Simeone’s side arrives full of confidence, the hosts, Real Oviedo, are desperately searching for points to ignite a late-season escape from the foot of the La Liga table.

Form and Context

The "Red and Whites" enter this fixture following a dominant 4-1 European victory over Club Brugge, which secured their progression with a 7-4 aggregate scoreline. In domestic action, Atletico sits fourth, trailing third-placed Villarreal by just three points. With a six-point cushion over fifth place, Simeone knows that consistency against lower-ranked opposition is vital to securing Champions League football next term.

In contrast, Real Oviedo remains anchored to the bottom of the division. Despite a spirited 3-3 draw against Real Sociedad in their last outing—where Eric Bailly salvaged a late point—the Blues are eight points adrift of safety. Scoring has been their primary struggle, with a league-low 16 goals in 24 matches, though their recent three-goal outburst may offer a glimmer of hope for the home supporters.

Team News

Real Oviedo: The hosts will miss David Costas through injury, while Eric Bailly and Ovie Ejaria remain significant doubts. However, the return of midfielder Santiago Colombatto from suspension provides a timely boost to the starting XI.

Atletico Madrid: Rodrigo Mendoza is available after serving a ban, but Pablo Barrios and Nico Gonzalez are expected to remain sidelined. Following his sensational hat-trick in midweek, Alexander Sorloth is tipped to lead the line alongside Julian Alvarez, with Ademola Lookman likely returning to provide width.

Predicted Lineups

Real Oviedo (4-2-3-1):
Escandell; Vidal, Carmo, Calvo, Lopez; Colombatto, Sibo; Hassan, Reina, Chaira; Vinas

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2):
Oblak; Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman; Sorloth, Alvarez

Final Verdict: Real Oviedo 1-2 Atletico Madrid

While Atletico’s away form has been patchy this season—winning only three of their twelve road trips—the gulf in quality remains substantial. Oviedo has shown improved resilience lately, but the tactical discipline and superior firepower of Simeone’s men should be enough to navigate a narrow victory and claim all three points.