Why Diego Simeone Benched Lookman, Entire Atletico XI vs Sevilla Ahead of Barca Clash
- Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone fielded an entirely different XI against Sevilla than the one which started against Barcelona
- Atletico scored a crucial victory against Barcelona at Camp Nou in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg
- Simeone is already looking forward to the second leg against Barcelona at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has named a completely different starting 11 to face Sevilla, compared to the one which faced Barcelona on Wednesday.
Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth scored to help Atletico beat Barcelona at Camp Nou in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Source: Getty Images
The second leg will take place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, which could seal their spot in the semi-final.
Simeone needs to prevent Barcelona from scoring in Madrid to ensure a safe passage to the semi-final for his side, where they will face one of Arsenal or Sporting CP.
Why Simeone benched entire XI
Per Atletico Madrid’s website, Diego Simeone named a completely different XI to face relegation-threatened Sevilla in the league after the victory over Barcelona.
The manager changed his XI to have his key players, including Ademola Lookman, Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez, and others, fully rested to face Barcelona.
Simeone recognised their advantage having won the first leg and wants to fully maximise it when Barcelona visit their home in Madrid.
Atletico’s XI: Juan Musso, Javi Boñar, Marc Pubill, Dani Martínez, Julio Díaz, Rayane, Obed Vargas, Mendoza, Thiago Almada, Álex Baena and Alexander Sørloth.
Sevilla XI: Odysseas, Juanlu, Castrín, Kike Salas, Oso, Agoumé, Gudelj, Manu Bueno, Isaac, Vargas and Akor Adams.
Source: Getty Images
Key actions from the match
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams opened the scoring for Sevilla from the penalty spot in the 10th minute after Dani Martinez fouled Isaac Romero.
Javi Bonar had a dream debut after scoring on his first start for Atletico Madrid to bring the scores level. Ruben Vargas assisted Nemanja Gudelj to put Sevilla back in the lead.
Simeone introduced some experience in the second half after Ademola Lookman was introduced in the 71st minute to replace Rayane Belaid.
Sevilla held on to their advantage despite a late onslaught from Atletico Madrid and secured a vital three points in their relegation battle, moving three points clear of the drop zone, as the relegation race could go down to the final day.
Atletico remained in fourth place with 57 points and are almost guaranteed a Champions League spot next season as they are 12 points ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis, with seven matches to go in the 2025/26 La Liga season.
Lookman reacts after Atletico's win
Legit.ng previously reported that Ademola Lookman reacted after Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona 2-0 at Camp Nou on the first leg of the quarter-final.
The Super Eagles forward disclosed the mood in the dressing room as calm, and they acknowledged that they have a difficult task against Barcelona in the second leg.
Source: Legit.ng
