A year ago, with a 3-3 draw, Getafe ended the best home winning streak in Atlético de Madrid’s history—20 consecutive victories. This Sunday, the azulones will once again visit the rojiblancos, who are currently on an impressive ten-game winning streak, the best active run in Europe. 

Europe’s Best Winning Streak

That draw on December 19, 2023, with two Getafe goals in the final minutes—including the decisive 3-3 at the 93rd minute by Borja Mayoral—is the most recent precedent at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano between Diego Simeone and José Bordalás’ teams. For Bordalás, it was the first and only time he took a point at the rojiblanco stadium, where he now faces an Atlético team in full form, unbeaten both home and away. No team in Europe currently matches the winning sequence of Atlético.

Atalanta, who had strung together nine consecutive victories, fell to Real Madrid last Tuesday. In contrast, Atlético secured a 3-1 win over Slovan Bratislava.

Atlético looks dominant as a team, in addition to boasting the second-best streak of consecutive victories in their history (the best, achieved in 2012 under Simeone, was 13 wins). Their star players are also shining, particularly Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez, who have combined for 15 goals during this remarkable run, which began on October 31.

The French forward has scored seven goals in his last five matches, including braces against Sevilla and Slovan Bratislava. Meanwhile, the Argentine striker, already perfectly integrated into Simeone’s system, has contributed five goals in the past five games.

Together, with 23 goals, they have accounted for 65 percent of Atlético’s goals this season, either as scorers or decisive passers.

However, even this ten-game streak hasn’t shaken Atlético’s core philosophy: taking things “one match at a time.” Their focus remains on Sunday’s game against Getafe, without looking ahead to next week’s clash against Barcelona or the upcoming holiday break.

Bordalás and Getafe: Between the Curse and Urgent Need

Getafe already knows how to put Atlético under pressure, but they’ve never managed to defeat Simeone’s side. Last season’s 3-3 draw adds to other tight encounters, such as the 3-3 result at Mestalla in 2021-2022 when Bordalás coached Valencia. However, he has also suffered agonizing defeats, like Luis Suárez’s 87th-minute goal in 2020-2021 or Mario Hermoso’s winner in the 90th minute in 2021-2022.

This time, Getafe arrives at the Metropolitano in a precarious situation, just one point above Espanyol, who have a game in hand. There is little room for error, and the absence of Mauro Arambarri, suspended, will be a major blow.

To replace the Uruguayan, Bordalás has two options: academy graduate Nabil Aberdin, who started earlier this season, or Yellu Santiago, another promising young talent. There is also uncertainty on the left flank between Coba da Costa, the rising star for Getafe, and Carles Pérez, who is yet to find his best form since joining this summer.

The rest of the starting XI will likely resemble the lineup that defeated Espanyol 1-0 last week. Without Borja Mayoral and Carles Aleñá, both injured, and with Juan Berrocal a doubt, Getafe will aim to finally end their curse against Atlético. 

-- Probable Lineups:

Atlético de Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Lenglet, Galán; Giuliano, De Paul or Koke, Barrios, Gallagher; Griezmann or Correa, and Julián Álvarez.

Getafe: Soria; Juan Iglesias, Djené, Alderete, Diego Rico; Yellu or Nabil, Milla; Nyom, Uche, Coba or Carles Pérez; and Álvaro Rodríguez.

Referee: Soto Grado (Riojan Committee).

Stadium: Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Kickoff: 14:00.

• Standings: Atlético (3rd, 35 points); Getafe (15th, 16 points).
• Key Factor: The Julián Álvarez-Griezmann connection, with 23 goals this season, against Getafe’s rising star Coba da Costa, who dazzled last match.
• Stat: Getafe has only scored 11 goals this season, the worst figure in LaLiga.
• Quotes: . Diego Simeone (Atlético): “The Julián-Griezmann partnership keeps getting better.” . José Bordalás (Getafe): “Atlético is a contender to win any title.”
• Ins: None.
• Outs: Mauro Arambarri (suspension), Carles Aleñá and Borja Mayoral (injuries) for Getafe.
• Doubts: Juan Berrocal (Getafe).
• On Notice: Lenglet (Atlético); Álex Sola, Diego Rico, and Omar Alderete (Getafe).