aTretico Madrid have had a rather unstable season. Diego Simeone’s side started very well, but slowly started to falter, falling far from the top of La Liga and failing to finish in the top eight of the Champions League. That is why the Copa del Rey semi-final is so important and the club received good news before the first leg.
Atleti’s squad has been affected by injuries, with some games in which Cholo has been without all of his players, so the recovery of one of his players could be key for the match against Barcelona.
Cholo Simeone brings back key players
One of the big absentees for the Spanish team is Argentine Nico González, who did not feature in the LaLiga defeat against Betis but is now ready to play in the semi-final first leg against Barcelona at the Metropolitano.
Gonzalez was brought in as a reinforcement this season and has had some very good games, but injuries have taken a toll on him. The former Juventus player now has a unique opportunity to gain Simeone’s trust and hopes to be included in the starting XI.
Gonzalez’s return is key given the challenges Atlético Madrid face, as it is important to field a large squad in a very tough schedule as Atlético Madrid have a Champions League match against Club Brugge.
Julian Alvarez could benefit from Nico Gonzalez’s return
Julián Álvarez is one of the players most criticized by Atlético fans these days. The Argentine striker has started the season well, but he has gone 100 days without scoring a goal, 11 games in a row, which is worrying Cholo’s team.
Atletico Madrid are not panicking as they are aware of Julien’s quality, but they need him now more than ever and the return of Nico González could help.
González and Julián know each other well and the former Juventus player’s return could be key for Alvarez to feel more confident and unite with his national team-mates. Atlético host Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday, and Los Colchoneros boss hopes the former River Plate man will return to his top scorer role.
