ATLÉTICO MADRID NEWS

Wave acquire Swedish defender from Atletico de Madrid Swedish defender Hanna Lundkvist, 21, joins a cadre of international players on the Wave roster

FEBRUARY 1 • SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.COM

Antoine Griezmann - Assist machine Griezmann assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Griezmann came on as a substitute Wednesday and played 32 minutes. The playmaking Frenchman made the most of his limited minutes, supplying a game-winning assist. The assist was his sixth of the season and the fourth straight appearance in which he has setup a goal. Griezmann will next take aim at the top ranked defense in La Liga when Athletico take on Real Madrid Sunday.

JANUARY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Memphis Depay - Scores again Depay scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 win versus Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Depay scored his fourth goal of the season Wednesday. The goal marks this first time this season Depay has scored in back-to-back matches and just the second time he's started in back-to-back matches. Manager Diego Simeone made seven changes to the lineup that defeated Valencia over the weekend, but he opted to keep Depay in the team. Depay will hope that his recent uptick in form will coincide with an uptick in regular minutes, as well.

JANUARY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Rodrigo Riquelme - Set piece assist Rodrigo Riquelme assisted once to go with two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Riquelme appeared in his sixth consecutive match (five starts) Wednesday. His sumptuous cross from a free kick led to a headed goal that opened the scoring. The assist was Riquelme's second during his six-start appearance streak and his third on the season. He has also contributed two goals in all competitions.

JANUARY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Reinildo Mandava - Headed goal Reinildo scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Reinildo found the back off the net four the first time since 2021, playing for Lille. The appearance was his second since returning from the African Cup of Nations and just his third appearance overall (two starts). Reinildo's minutes have been limited this season due to a knee injury. His main contribution to Athletico Madrid should be defensively. In the last two matches, he's amassed five tackles (five won), 11 clearances, and two interceptions.

JANUARY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Arthur Vermeeren - Debut appearance Vermeeren recorded one tackle (zero won) and two interceptions in Wednesday's 2-1 victory versus Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Vermeeren made his debut for Athletico Madrid Wednesday. He started and played the first half before being taken off in favor of Nahuel Molina. Vermeeren displayed some of the defensive prowess that has given him the reputation as one of the best young players in Europe. After providing one goal and two assists in six Champions League appearances earlier this season with Royal Antwerp, Vermeeren will hope to show his equally impressive offensive skillset as he continues to settle in under Diego Simeone.

JANUARY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Jan Oblak - Concedes one Oblak had one save and allowed one goal in Wednesday's 2-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Oblak had his consecutive clean sheet streak snapped Wednesday when he allowed a goal to Rayo Vallecano. With seven changes made to Athletico Madrid's previous staring XI, Rayo Vallecano were more easily able to find space in front of the Athletico keeper. Oblak will look to start a new clean sheet streak with Athletico face a Sevilla attack on Monday that has scored 27 times in 22 matches..

JANUARY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Gabriel Paulista - Completes transfer Wednesday Paulista will spend the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign with Atletico Madrid after completing a move from Valencia on Wednesday.

Impact Paulista finalized a permanent transfer and will provide some cover on the backline with both Jose Maria Gimenez (thigh) and Cesar Azpilicueta (knee) dealing with long-term injuries. With his former club, Paulista started 16 of 18 appearances in which he generated 77 clearances, 24 interceptions and seven blocks.

JANUARY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Alvaro Morata - Absent from squad list Morata was left out of the squad list against Rayo Vallecaon on Wednesday.

Impact Morata's absence has yet to come with an explanation from the team but marks a significant blow to the club's attacking options. In his last five outings (three starts), the forward recorded five goals on 11 shots (eight on target), four crosses (one accurate) and seven clearances. Memphis Depay figures to get the start with Morata unavailable.

JANUARY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Jose Maria Gimenez - Struggling with thigh injury Gimenez (thigh) is dealing with a grade 1 strain he picked up during Sunday's 2-0 win over Valencia, Atleti announced.

Impact Gimenez strained his thigh during Sunday's win and will now be miss Wednesday's clash with Rayo. Stefan Savic is one possibility to step into the back three with Gimenez sidelined for at least a match. Gimenez started three of four La Liga matches before the injury.

JANUARY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Nahuel Molina - Contributes assist Molina assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 2-0 win against Valencia. In addition, he was given a yellow card in...

Impact Molina was selected to start in consecutive matches. He rewarded the decision with an active offensive performance culminating in an assist provided by a cross for Memphis Depay's headed goal. The assist was his fourth of the season in all competitions. Molina's minutes have been sporadic of late. This was his third start in his last five matches and the only time he has played consecutive 90 minute matches this season.

JANUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Antoine Griezmann - Another assist Griezmann assisted once to go with four shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 2-0 win versus Valencia.

Impact Griezmann played the role of provider Sunday, assisting a Samuel Lino goal to begin the scoring. The match marks the third successive appearance in which he has provided an assist. Griezmann now has six assists and 22 goal contributions in all competitions. Griezmann will have his next opportunity Wednesday when Athletico play Rayo Vallecano, who have allowed 26 goals in 21 matches.

JANUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Lino - Scores in victory Lino scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Sunday's 2-0 win against Valencia.

Impact Lino scored his third goal in La Liga and fifth in all competitions Sunday. Lino was relegated to substitute duty last match after starting six in a row. The statement performance in his return to the Starting XI is a welcome sight, following five successive appearances without a goal or assist.

JANUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Memphis Depay - Scored header Depay scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-0 victory against Valencia.

Impact Depay scored his third goal of the season Sunday. It was his first since August. He was substituted off in the 69th minute. The performance marked just the second occasion Depay has played more than 45 minutes in all competitions. Depay will have to earn his minutes going forward with subsequent positive performances, as Athletico Madrid have elected to reinforce their attack by bringing in Moises Keane on loan.

JANUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Jan Oblak - Another clean sheet Oblak recorded three saves and secured a clean sheet in Sunday's 2-0 win over Valencia.

Impact Oblak's performance secured his eight clean sheet in La Liga and his second consecutive. Having played every minute possible this season, Oblak's performances have been the criteria by which the Athletico Madrid defense has been assessed. Oblak will look to make it three successive clean sheets Wednesday when he attempts to repel a Rayo Vallecano attack the ranks near the bottom of La Liga with just 18 goals scored.

JANUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Atletico signs young Antwerp midfielder Vermeeren

Atletico Madrid has signed teenage Belgium midfielder Arthur Vermeeren from Antwerp

JANUARY 26 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Arthur Vermeeren - Signs with Atleti Vermeeren has signed a six-and-a-half-year deal with Atletico Madrid from Belgian side Royal Antwerp.

Impact Vermeeren is the big signing of the window for Atletico Madrid. At 18 years old, he doesn't expect to see time right away, but he's already made 66 appearances for Antwerp, which is a crazy number for someone so young. Playing in the midfield, he could be the future replacement for someone like Koke.

JANUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Lino - Crosses three times from bench Lino had one shot (one on goal) and three crosses (zero accurate) in Monday's 1-0 victory over Granada.

Impact Lino entered this match as a halftime substitute and made a clearance and an interception to go along with his attacking production. This was his first time being excluded from the starting XI in seven games and he seems to be Diego Simeone's first choice on the left flank despite coming off the bench in this one.

JANUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Atletico Madrid back in Copa semifinals 7 years later. VAR denies stoppage-time penalty for Sevilla

Atletico Madrid is back in the Copa del Rey semifinals seven years later

JANUARY 25 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Saul Niguez - Shoots once versus Granada Saul recorded one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 1-0 victory over Granada. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 72nd min...

Impact Saul started nine of Atletico's opening 13 matches but has only started four of the 13 since then. including this one. He won two of his four tackles and made two clearances on top of his attacking contributions, while his sole shot of the game was his only attempt at goal in his last five appearances.

JANUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Antoine Griezmann - Assists in win Griezmann assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Monday's 1-0 win against Granada.

Impact Griezmann only has two matches in his last seven where he didn't record a goal or assist and is yet to go three consecutive games without a goal contribution this year. His consistent output in front of goal makes him a strong option heading a match with Valencia on Sunday.

JANUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Alvaro Morata - Scores winner Morata scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 1-0 win versus Granada.

Impact Morata has hit his stride once again this season, netting six goals in his last seven outings following a run of four matches without finding the net. He will look to keep it rolling against a Valencia side that kept him quiet in the reverse fixture earlier this season, only mustering two shots in a 3-0 loss.

JANUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Jan Oblak - One save in win Oblak recorded one save and secured a clean sheet in Monday's 1-0 win over Granada.

Impact Oblak earned his third clean sheet in his last six games, making one stop in this match to break a six-game streak of making multiple saves. Up next is a Valencia side that has found the back of the net in each of their last six La Liga matches.

JANUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE