Atlético Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Oblak (Musso) · Llorente (Bonar; Out: Molina?) · Pubill · Le Normand (Out: Gimenez?) · Hancko (In: Salinas?) · Grimaldo (Diaz; Out: Ruggeri?) · Alvarez (Out: Sörloth?) · Baena (Lee; Out: Almada?) · Barrios (Koke; Mendoza) · Hjulmand (Johnny, Vargas) · Lookman (Simeone)

Prioritizing defensive solidity and quick transitions, Atlético utilizes a 3-6-1 formation to control the middle of the pitch. This lineup is built to sit in a compact mid-block and wait for the moment to hit in behind on the transition. The team looks to squeeze the space between the lines, making it difficult for opponents to play through the middle before launching direct attacks toward the lone striker.

Jan Oblak guards the goal, acting as the last line of defense. In front of him, a back three provides a strong foundation with Le Normand acting as the central leader to clear the lines and win headers. Hancko covers the left side of the defense while Pubill operates as the right wide centre-back. This defensive unit functions as a narrow defensive block, staying close together to deny the turn and force the opposition wide.

The midfield is the engine of the Atlético lineup, utilizing a three-man midfield with a carrier and two creative players in the half-spaces. Hjulmand sits deep to shield the defense and protect the back three, while Barrios works alongside him to win the second ball. Grimaldo and Llorente operate on the flanks, with Grimaldo providing width and Llorente capable of driving forward. Baena and Lookman play in the pockets behind the striker, looking to receive on the half-turn and play through the lines to find the attacking zone.

Attacking movements rely on a single striker, Julian Alvarez, who acts as a pressing centre-forward to harass the opposition back line. Because the team uses two attacking midfielders in Baena and Lookman, the attack builds through combinations in tight spaces. These players look to pull wide or occupy the pockets to create runs in behind. When the team wins the ball back high up the pitch, the forwards attempt to break quickly to exploit gaps left by the opponent.

One major tactical advantage is the ability to create numerical superiority in midfield, which allows the team to dominate possession in the center. The wide players, specifically Grimaldo and Llorente, can also create wide overloads to stretch the defense. Furthermore, the compact shape makes the team very difficult to break down when they drop into a low block.

This 3-6-1 formation is designed for a team that wants to control the tempo through a crowded midfield while remaining dangerous on the break. It is best suited for matches against opponents that dominate possession but struggle to deal with rapid verticality.