This Saturday, the football rivalry between Levante and Atlético de Madrid promises to be a pivotal matchup, with both teams facing intense pressure to secure vital points in La Liga’s twenty-second round. Levante, under the leadership of Luis Castro, is riding a wave of renewed confidence after earning a narrow 3-2 victory over Elche, but remains entrenched in the relegation zone in 19th place. A win at their home stadium could serve as a crucial turning point for their survival prospects. Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid, led by manager Diego Simeone, arrives in Valencia seeking to erase the sting of an unexpected home defeat to Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League, which has cast a shadow over their continental ambitions. Positioned third in the table and trailing the league leader by eight points, the Colchoneros cannot afford further setbacks if they wish to keep alive their hopes for domestic silverware and European qualification. The clash at Estadi Ciutat de València is expected to be a fierce battle, with strategic implications for both sides as the season approaches its critical mid-point.
Team Overviews and Current Form
Levante: Climbing Against the Odds
Levante’s recent performances depict a team exerting every ounce of effort in their fight against relegation. In their last five league fixtures, they’ve managed to secure 7 points out of a possible 15, which has slightly eased the tension surrounding their campaign. Notably, their offense has shown signs of awakening, netting 24 goals across the season so far, though their defensive frailty— conceding 34 goals— remains a significant concern. The club’s recent improvement has fueled hope among fans, but with their position in the standings, every match in these closing stages takes on added significance.
Castro’s squad is facing some hurdles ahead of this encounter. Notably, defender Roger Brugué will be unavailable due to injury, and Unai Elgezabal and Víctor García are in doubt, which could impact the team’s defensive stability. Attention now turns to the attacking options, particularly Etta Eyong and Iván Romero, who have been instrumental this season. Eyong, a Cameroon international, is also attracting transfer interest, adding a layer of complexity to the squad’s dynamics. Romero, with four goals, remains a key figure in the offensive setup. The tactical lineup is expected to feature a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mathew Ryan in goal, defenders Jeremy Toljan, Adrián De La Fuente, Alan Matturro, and Sánchez, while Pablo Martínez and Raghouber hold the central midfield roles. Behind Romero, Carlos Álvarez and K. Tunde will look to create scoring chances.
Historical Encounters and Recent Results
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When examining previous encounters, the matchup has historically been tightly contested. Over the last few fixtures, Levante has claimed one victory, with two matches ending in draws, while Atlético de Madrid has secured two wins. The most recent league battle saw Atlético claim a 3-1 victory in the first half of the season, though their visit to Levante’s stadium in October 2021 resulted in a 2-2 stalemate. These results underline the competitive nature of this fixture and suggest that fans can expect another closely fought contest this weekend.
In their last five appearance meetings, the teams have exchanged wins and draws, reflecting the unpredictable dynamics of their encounters. This history fuels optimism for Levante to challenge Atlético at home, especially given their recent form and the importance of this game in their survival fight.
Atlético de Madrid: Restoring Confidence and Ambitions
Atlético comes into this match with contrasting realities. While their league record remains formidable— having remained unbeaten in their last five domestic matches—their European campaign has exposed vulnerabilities, notably with the defeat to Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League. The setback has intensified the pressure on Simeone’s team, which at third place, is striving to maintain its competitive edge amidst a congested top of the table.
Despite challenges, the rojiblancos squad is regaining key players. Return of defender Clément Lenglet has bolstered their defensive options, and squad rotation is underway to balance the demands of league and Europe. The absence of Antoine Griezmann, injured with a hamstring issue, is a blow, but the team’s offensive creativity may be supplemented by Giuliano Simeone, who is expected to feature in attack alongside Julián Álvarez. The Argentine striker is eager to end a goal drought in La Liga that dates back to November, and his presence could prove decisive in breaking down Levante’s defenses.
The midfield undergoes some modifications, with Johnny Cardoso potentially earning minutes to inject freshness and dynamism. The tactical setup is likely to utilize a 5-3-2 formation, with Jan Oblak in goal, and defenders Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, José María Giménez, Clément Lenglet, and Javi Gálan covering the back line. The midfield trio might include Pablo Barrios, Koke, and Johnny Cardoso, supporting a tandem of Giuliano Simeone and Julián Álvarez upfront.
Key Players and Tactical Approaches
Levante’s offensive hopes revolve around Iván Romero and Etta Eyong, both of whom are expected to be the focal point of Castro’s attack. Romero’s knack for finding space and Eyong’s aerial threats could challenge Atlético’s defensive organization. Meanwhile, their tactical plan will likely focus on solidifying the midfield and exploiting quick counters to surprise the visitors.
Atlético, known for their disciplined defensive approach and quick transition play under Simeone, will aim to control the game through possession and strategic pressing. The absence of Griezmann might necessitate a shift in attacking patterns, with Giuliano Simeone bearing more responsibility for creative plays. The team’s defensive structure is expected to remain robust, with a focus on restricting Levante’s offensive opportunities through organized pressing and disciplined backline movements.
Match Timing and Broadcast Information
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This highly anticipated game is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, with kick-off times differing across time zones. Fans in Spain will watch the match at 6:30 PM local time, while those in the United States Eastern time zone will tune in at 12:30 PM. In Mexico City, the game will start at 11:30 AM. The venue for the match is the Estadi Ciutat de València in Valencia, Spain.
- Location: Valencia, Spain
- Stadium: Estadi Ciutat de València
- Date: Saturday, 31 January 2026
- Kick-off times: 12:30 PM ET (USA), 11:30 AM CDMX, 6:30 PM Spain
For viewers interested in streaming, broadcasts will be available through ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes in the United States, Sky Sports and Sky+ in Mexico, and DAZN LaLiga along with Movistar+ in Spain. These platforms provide access to viewers across different regions, ensuring that fans can follow the action live regardless of their location.
Predictions and Expectations
Given Levante’s recent upward trajectory and their home advantage, many analysts consider this game to be highly competitive. However, Atlético’s overall consistency and proven ability to perform under pressure in La Liga give them a slight edge. The absence of Griezmann could limit their offensive potency temporarily, but the squad’s collective strength and tactical discipline are expected to carry them through.
Most experts forecast a narrow victory for Atlético de Madrid, with a probable scoreline of 1-2. The match promises to be an intense battle, with Levante eager to leverage their home support and Atlético aiming to solidify their top-tier position and keep their title ambitions alive.
