Atlético Football Formation
Starting Lineup
Lola Gallardo 2026 (Larqué 2026) · Xénia 2025 (Barth 2025) · Lloris 2027 · Moraza 2025 · Medina 2026 (R. Otermín 2026) · Gaby García 2026 · Boe Risa 2025 (T. Pinto 2025) · Ana Vitoria 2026 (Fiamma 2027) · Cardona 2025 · Ajibade 2025 · Jensen 2026 (Sheila 2025)A high press and vertical style defines the way Atlético plays. The team uses a 4-3-3 formation to squeeze the space and win the ball high up the pitch. This lineup is built to play direct football, looking to transition quickly once the ball is recovered. By pushing the lines high, the team aims to stretch the defence and create chances in transition.
Lola Gallardo stands in goal to lead the defensive unit. The back line operates as a flat back four with Lloris and Xénia playing as the two central defenders. Lloris works to cover the space behind the line while Xénia stays central to win the header and mark the opposition striker. On the sides, Medina acts as an attacking full back to push up the pitch, while Moraza plays as a more defensive full back to help protect the area. The unit works together to deny the turn to attackers.
In the middle of the pitch, a three-man midfield controls the tempo. Gaby García acts as a single pivot to shield the defence and sit deep to receive the ball. From this position, Gaby García helps to recycle possession and play short from the back. Ana Vitoria and Boe Risa work as two midfielders in the eight roles to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Ana Vitoria looks to drive forward with the ball into the half-spaces, while Boe Risa presses aggressively to win the ball high. This trio helps to compress the midfield and win the second ball.
The attacking unit features three players across the front. Jensen works as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender and hold up the ball. On the wings, Ajibade and Cardona act as wide attackers who provide width. Ajibade prefers to cut inside to find space, while Cardona looks to get to the byline and whip it in. This movement creates runs in behind and allows for quick combinations in the final third.
One major strength for Atlético is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. With Jensen, Ajibade, and Cardona all pressing from the front, the team can trigger a press to force a long ball. The formation also allows for wide overloads when Medina and Moraza overlap the winger. This creates numerical superiority on the flanks and allows the team to switch play to the opposite side.
This 4-3-3 formation relies on intense pressing and quick vertical movement. It is a lineup best suited for facing opponents that try to play out from the back.