With a top-of-the-table clash in La Liga just days away, it seems that Atlético Madrid are making big changes in defense to prepare for Hansi Flick's side. Diario Sport reports that Robin Le Normand will be axed from the starting lineup, with Marc Pubill moving from right-back to replace him. Marcos Llorente will play at right-back, and Koke returns to midfield.
Le Normand made his first Champions League start of the season on Tuesday as Atlético lost to Bayern. The Spain international struggled, losing the ball in the Atlético box, which allowed Lennart Karl to score the opener. Le Normand was subbed off only six minutes later, and the hosts never recovered, falling 2-0 to the Bundesliga side.
It comes as no real surprise to see Le Normand move to the bench after his Champions League error. Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona are the best-pressing team in La Liga, and Le Normand would undoubtedly have been under pressure whenever on the ball. Pubill is better in possession, while Llorente could push forward and take on João Cancelo.
While Atlético have struggled somewhat in Europe, their defense has been the best in La Liga, with or without Le Normand. The Rojiblancos have conceded only eight goals in eleven games, but are taking on a Barcelona side with the best attack in La Liga. After last week's 6-1 win over Deportivo Alavés, Barcelona are up to 46 goals in eleven games — an average of 4.2 goals per game.
Le Normand's absence does leave Atlético weaker in the air. In the past, this would have been easy for Barcelona to exploit, but without Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona lack the physical presence needed to get on the end of crosses and long balls. The change also makes Atlético's defense quicker and better at one-on-one defending, two things that Barcelona often look to take advantage of in attack.
The Blaugrana midfield could benefit from the changes, though. Koke has made only five starts in all competitions due to injuries, and he hasn't started a match in nearly a month. Now 34, he lacks the speed and stamina of Llorente in midfield. Even with Barcelona missing Rodri, Flick's midfield should have the advantage both technically and physically.
Barcelona will go into Sunday's match with a makeshift defense of their own as a result of injuries to several key players. In the Champions League, Hansi Flick elected for a defense consisting of a revived Cancelo, Gerard Martín, Pau Cubarsí, and 20-year-old midfielder Brian Fariñas, making just his second appearance for the first team. Barcelona beat Aston Villa 3-0, but will face a stronger attack in the Metropolitano.
Fariñas will have to watch out for Atlético's left-back Alejandro Grimaldo in particular. The ex-La Masia product was a rare bright spot for Diego Simeone's side against Bayern and is lethal going forward, with four goals and two assists in all competitions. It's a daunting task for the inexperienced youngster, but with Flick surprisingly ignoring Alejandro Balde once again, there are not many options.
Prior to the Bayern loss, Atlético were in excellent form, going nine unbeaten in all competitions. Diego Simeone's side sits just two points behind Barcelona in second place and are unbeaten at home in La Liga, while Barcelona are unbeaten away.
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