Atlético Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Giménez · Hancko · Le Normand · Molina · N. González · Gallagher · M. Llorente · Raspadori · J. Álvarez · Griezmann · Oblak

Prioritizing defensive solidity and lightning fast transitions, Atlético employs a 3-5-2. This lineup is built to squeeze the space in the middle and force opponents into wide areas where they can be trapped. The team focuses on being hard to beat and then hitting teams on the break with verticality.

In goal, Oblak provides shot-stopping and command of his area. The defensive line consists of a back three of Hancko, Giménez, and Le Normand. Giménez acts as the central figure, being dominant in the air and commanding the area, while Hancko and Le Normand act as covering defenders to sweep behind the line. They defend zonally to keep the unit tight and compact, making sure they hold the line against heavy pressure.

The midfield acts as the heartbeat of Atlético Madrid. Gallagher and M. Llorente form a central pairing to win the second ball and drive the play forward. Gallagher brings immense pressing intensity to disrupt the opponent and win it back high up the pitch. Griezmann sits in the hole as an attacking ten, using his passing range to play through the lines. On the flanks, Molina and N. González provide width, stepping up to overlap the midfield and stretch the defence to create space.

Up front, Raspadori and J. Álvarez operate as a two-man partnership. They press the opposition back line to force mistakes and win the ball high. Raspadori focuses on holding up the ball, while J. Álvarez looks to make runs in behind to exploit the space. Griezmann links the midfield to the attack, often dropping deep to lay it off to the forwards or finding the feet of Raspadori or J. Álvarez to break the line. This creates many opportunities for cutbacks from the byline.

One major strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, led by the energy of Gallagher and the forwards. The formation also creates wide overloads through the work of Molina and N. González, which allows the team to switch play effectively. The central unit of M. Llorente, Gallagher, and Griezmann ensures numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch, making it difficult for opponents to play through the lines.

This formation focuses on a compact defensive block and rapid verticality. It is perfectly suited for matches against dominant possession teams that can be punished on the transition.