Chasing a sixteenth consecutive victory
Atlético Madrid visit the Butarque Stadium to face Leganés on Saturday 18 January (16:15 CET) for Matchday 20 of LaLiga EA Sports.
Following a commanding 4-0 victory in the Copa del Rey against Elche thanks to two goals from Sørloth, including one from the penalty spot, and goals from Riquelme and Julián Álvarez, the team switches its attention back to the LaLiga EA Sports. Atlético will be looking for another victory in Leganés to continue their historic run, which currently sees them on a fifteen-game winning streak across all competitions.
Borja Jiménez's side come into the game with optimism after defeating LaLiga Hypermotion leaders Almería 3-2 in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos. The 'Pepineros' came from behind to win, with a goal from Altimira, an equalising penalty from Miguel de la Fuente, and a Diego García strike sealing the win in the 85th minute.
The reverse fixture earlier this season at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano ended in a 3-1 victory for Atlético. Sørloth (2) and Griezmann found the net, overturning Neyou’s first-half opener for Leganés. The match, celebrated on Fan Club Day, saw Sørloth equalise in the 69th minute from a Witsel assist. Griezmann made it 2-1 in the 80th minute, and Sørloth sealed the victory in stoppage time (99') from a Julián Álvarez assist.
In LaLiga, Atlético are chasing their fourth consecutive away win, having defeated Mallorca (1-0), Valladolid (5-0), and Barcelona (2-1) in their last three outings. A victory would extend their record-breaking streak of 15 consecutive wins in all competitions – the best in the club's history.
Meanwhile, Leganés have suffered three consecutive home defeats at Butarque. After beating Sevilla 1-0 on Matchday 13, they lost to Real Madrid (0-3), Real Sociedad (0-3), and Villarreal (2-5). However, they have fared better on the road recently, securing two draws (1-1) against Alavés and Espanyol, and a 1-0 victory over Barcelona at the Olímpic Lluis Companys.
