Atlético Madrid face Alavés at Mendizorroza: kickoff, team news and why Simeone's side must prove themselves

Atlético Madrid resume official competition on Saturday afternoon with a demanding away test against Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorroza. The international break came at an awkward time, stopping a side that had just produced its best form of the season. The main question is whether the pause will cool down the momentum built by three consecutive victories or give the squad fresh energy for the challenges ahead.

• Atlético travel to Vitoria after three straight wins, including a derby victory over Real Madrid.
• Simeone welcomes back Alexander Sorloth and Pablo Barrios for this stretch of fixtures.
• Alavés sit sixth and have been one of the early surprises in LaLiga.
• Mendizorroza has been a tough venue for Atlético, who are winless there in four visits.
• The hosts lose defender Ville Koski to an injury picked up with Finland.

International break halts Atlético's best run of the season

Atlético entered the international window on a high. They won their last three league matches before the break and finished that stretch with a statement victory over Real Madrid. That result positioned Diego Simeone's side as the clearest challenger to a Barcelona team that has started the season in dominant fashion. The challenge now is to show that the momentum has not faded during weeks without competitive action.

Simeone voiced his frustration before the match about a pause that arrived at an inconvenient moment. Returning to rhythm is always tricky after a break, and doing it at Mendizorroza adds another layer of difficulty. Alavés have exceeded expectations and are currently fighting for a place in European competition.

Sorloth and Barrios boost Atlético's options for Vitoria

For the first time this season, Simeone has his full squad available. There are no injured players at Atlético, although some internationals came back with minor knocks. That accumulated fatigue from national team duty will influence the coach's decisions when picking his starting eleven in Vitoria.

Much of the attention is on Alexander Sorloth, who used the break to train under the coaching staff and push for a bigger role in attack. Pablo Barrios also returns, giving Simeone another key midfield option as Atlético enter this next phase of the campaign.

Away form remains the unresolved issue for Simeone's team

Atlético are still working to establish consistent results away from the Metropolitano. It has been a recurring problem over the past two seasons, the weakest period of the Simeone era in that department. This campaign has produced two wins and two defeats on the road, leaving the team without a clear identity away from home.

Recent history at Mendizorroza does not help. Atlético are winless in their last four trips to face Alavés, with two draws and two defeats. The Basque stadium has become one of the most uncomfortable grounds for the Madrid side. Alavés have also built their strong start largely at home, winning three of their four matches there.

Alavés, a surprise package with a key defensive absence

Quique Sánchez Flores' team sit sixth in the table with three wins, two draws and two defeats, scoring six goals and conceding five. Those numbers reflect a stable side that fought against relegation last season and is now competing for European spots.

Simeone pointed out before the match that Alavés have conceded the fewest goals in LaLiga this season, just six. However, the hosts will be without a crucial piece of their defense. Finnish center-back Ville Koski, a leader in the back line, picked up an injury during the international break.

Probable lineups for Alavés and Atlético at Mendizorroza

The home coach is planning a five-man defensive line to contain Atlético. Valentini, Jony Otto and Tenaglia would play as the central defenders, with Ángel Pérez and Abde operating as wing-backs. In midfield, Protesoni is pushing for a starting role to add greater solidity in the center of the pitch.

Lucas Boyé will lead the Alavés attack, flanked by either Toni Martínez or Mariano Díaz, who arrives in strong form. For Atlético, the key attacking decision involves Sorloth, whose work during the break has put him in contention for a starting spot.

Atlético arrive in Vitoria needing to prove their pre-break run was no mirage and that they can take all three points at a ground that has tormented them.