Atlético Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Oblak (Moldovan) · Le Normand (Azpilicueta) · Witsel (Giménez) · Hancko (Kostis o Renildo) · Llorente (Molina) · Lino (Riquelme) · Koke (Gallagher) · Barrios (Vermeeren) · Sorloth (Samu) · Griezmann (Lemar) · De Paul (Correa o Carlos Martín)

Prioritizing defensive solidity and quick transitions, Atlético utilizes a 3-4-3 formation to control the game. This lineup is built to sit deep when out of possession and hit opponents hard on the break. The tactical identity of Atlético focuses on winning the second ball and making sure the team stays compact to deny space between the lines.

Oblak guards the goal and organizes the defensive unit. The back line consists of a back three featuring Witsel, Le Normand, and Hancko. Witsel acts as the central man to sweep behind the line, while Le Normand and Hancko provide aerial strength and cover the wide areas of the defensive block. This trio defends zonally to ensure the team holds a narrow defensive block when the opposition has the ball.

The midfield functions as a double pivot with two wide players providing the engine for the team. Barrios and Koke (C) occupy the central roles, where Koke (C) helps connect the defense and attack through his passing range. Barrios works to shield the defense and win possession in the middle third. Llorente and Lino operate as wide players who must track back to help the defenders and then carry the ball forward to stretch the defense during transitions.

Up front, the team employs three attackers to pressure the opposition back line. Sorloth acts as the lone striker and target man, using his presence to hold up the ball and win headers. Griezmann plays as an inverted winger on the left, often dropping into the half spaces to link up play, while De Paul operates on the right to provide width and drive into the box. These forwards work together to create runs in behind and deliver crosses into the box for Sorloth.

One major strength of this formation is the ability to compress the midfield when defending deep, making it very difficult for opponents to play through the lines. The team also benefits from wide overloads when Llorente or Lino overlap the wingers to create numbers in the final third. This allows Atlético to transition from a defensive block to an attacking wave very quickly.

This 3-4-3 formation relies on defensive discipline and high intensity in the transition. It is best suited for games against teams that hold high possession, allowing the team to exploit the spaces left behind the defense.