Jornada 1: Atlético de Madrid v Málaga CF

FINALLY, the start of the 08/09 season! Fortunately, I have VERIZON FIOS as my cable provider, so I can watch Liga games (en vivo). Unfortunately, though, our opening game will NOT be televised. I will, instead, follow through the Internet.

In any case, we face newly promoted Málaga CF, a team that has been a bit of a yo-yo and not a stranger to the top division. They earned promotion last season by finishing in the #2 spot. From what I’ve been reading, their manager is expected to field a 4-2-2-1-1 formation for the game. Their side is not without doubts: Apparently the three questions looming are 1) goalkeeping, 2) defensive mid, and 3) which striker to put up front. If anyone knows anything else about the current status of this team, do share!

Slightly off topic: Éver Banega, our on-loan Argentine midfielder, trained with the team today. It’ll be interesting to see how he blends with the current team. It’ll be tough for him to break into the starting 11, I think, unless he truly shines when he does play.

[Update] OUR STARTING 11: Coupet; Seitaridis, Heitinga, Ujfalusi, Pernía; Assunçao, Maniche; Simão, Maxi; Agüero & Forlán.

SUBS: Leo Franco, Pablo, Perea, Antonio López, Raúl García, Luis García, Sinama-Pongolle.

Coupet chosen over Leo Franco because Aguirre feels he has played well. NO idea why Pernía earned a starting 11 spot…Did he play OK against Schalke?!

NOT CHOSEN AT ALL (TACTICAL DECISION): Ángel Bernabé, Miguel, Banega, Valera & Camacho.

Let’s start this season with a win!

And always…y como siempre, AUPA ATLETI!