Atletico Madrid vs Girona: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 17.05.2026
One of the clashes of La Liga's 37th matchday will unfold on Sunday at the Metropolitano in Madrid, where the local side, Atletico, hosts Girona. Here’s my take on the outcome: the hosts have already secured a Champions League spot but still have a shot at third place, while the visitors are locked in a tense battle for survival.
Match preview
Atletico bounced back to winning ways last round, edging out Osasuna 2-1 to keep their hopes of a third-place finish alive. Diego Simeone’s squad has already booked a Champions League ticket, but the season has been a mixed bag: they fell short in the title race, lost the Copa del Rey final to Real Sociedad, and were knocked out of the Champions League in the semifinals by Arsenal.
At home, Atletico remain a formidable force, picking up 43 points in 18 La Liga matches at the Metropolitano. However, there are plenty of selection headaches: José Giménez, Nahuel Molina, and Johnny Cardoso are sidelined, Marcos Llorente is suspended, and the fitness of Pablo Barrios, Nico González, Julián Álvarez, and Giuliano Simeone is still in question. On the bright side, Alexander Sørloth could get a start after netting against Osasuna, while Alex Baena returns from suspension.
Girona, once the breakout story of Spanish football, have seen their fortunes take a dramatic turn. After a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad, Michel’s side sits 15th, just a single point above the drop zone, with the bottom of the table so tightly packed that every round could prove decisive.
The Catalans are winless in six straight league matches, and a trip to Madrid is arguably their toughest challenge in the run-in. Up front, Cristhian Stuani may feature after scoring in back-to-back outings, but the absentee list is daunting: Juan Carlos, Vladyslav Vanat, Portu, and Marc-André ter Stegen are unavailable, while Donny van de Beek is still recovering from an Achilles injury.
Probable lineups
- Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri, Mendoza, Vargas, Lookman, Griezmann, Baena, Sørloth.
- Girona: Gazzaniga, Martinez, Frances, Reis, Moreno, Witsel, Beltrán, Tsygankov, Unai, Roca, Stuani.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Atletico have won their last four meetings with Girona, including a 3-0 victory earlier this season.
- Girona have beaten Atletico only once — a 4-3 home win in January 2024.
- Atletico have claimed victory in seven of the last eight head-to-head encounters.
Atletico have scored 60 and conceded 39 goals this season (fourth-best record).
Six of the last eight meetings between these sides have featured over 2.5 goals.
- Atletico Madrid have taken more corners than their opponents in six of their last eight La Liga home games.
Prediction
Atletico may not be having a perfect season, but at home, Simeone’s side is simply too disciplined and powerful for an opponent mired in a relegation scrap. The Madrid outfit will be motivated to close their home campaign with a win and keep the pressure on Villarreal in the battle for third place.
Girona, with the likes of Stuani, Tsygankov, and their quick transitions, could pose some problems, but their poor form and winless streak make this Metropolitano trip an uphill battle. Expect the hosts to control proceedings, take minimal risks, and rely on their superior attacking quality to get the job done.
