(foto: Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid will be looking to extend their remarkable winning streak to 13 consecutive victories across all competitions when they face Marabella in the Spanish Cup tonight at 9:30 PM CET.
However, coach Diego Simeone has opted to take a calculated risk by resting star goalkeeper and captain Jan Oblak, giving him a well-deserved break.
Interestingly, Oblak, who wears the number 13 jersey, will sit out as Atletico aim for their 13th win in a row. The Slovenian shot-stopper has been instrumental for the club, having made 469 appearances and kept 216 clean sheets since joining the team. His absence may open the door for a younger or less experienced goalkeeper to step up.
On paper, the match against fourth-tier Marabella appears manageable for Atletico. However, as evidenced by last night’s shock result where Mallorca was eliminated by a fourth-division team in a 3-0 upset, surprises are not uncommon in the Spanish Cup. Simeone will rotate his squad heavily, giving opportunities to fringe players while ensuring key starters get some rest ahead of their demanding schedule.
Currently sitting in second place in La Liga, Atletico Madrid trails leaders Real Madrid but has a game in hand. A victory tonight would not only keep their impressive streak alive but also maintain their momentum as they push to regain the top spot in the league.
Since joining Atletico in 2014, Jan Oblak has established himself as one of the world’s best goalkeepers. With 216 clean sheets in 469 matches, the Slovenian international has been a key figure in Simeone’s defensively disciplined system. His rest tonight highlights Simeone’s confidence in the depth of his squad, though it remains to be seen whether the gamble will pay off.