Today’s important question: did Fernando Torres get his signature on the dotted line in time to make his (sort of) debut for Atletico Madrid against Levante? Answer: he did not. Sorry folks. Still, you might as well hang around for the Liga clash from the Vicente Calderon Stadium. We get underway in 30 minutes.
La Liga / Matchday 17
Estadio Vicente Calderón / 03.01.2015
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- A. Griezmann(18', 47')
- D. Godín(82')
- N. El Zhar(62')
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Updated 03/01/2015 at 16:49 GMT
3'
And it’s from that corner that Atletico mount their first attack. The ball is swung into the mixer, it ricochets around before being hacked away.
2'
The majority of the Vicente Calderon turf is covered in shade, but a small triangle of viciously bright light in the far corner (which Levante are defending) is breaking through and already making life difficult for the visitors.
1'
We're underway!
14:55
For anyone wondering, there’s no hold up with the Torres deal. The deal will go through on January 5 – the date the transfer window opens in Italy. The Spaniard has popped his bum on a plastic seat in the stands at the Vicente Calderon and is signing a couple of autographs for keen supporters.
14:50
Simeone has dipped into the cliché manual to insist that his side are fully focused on Levante, and not the midweek clash with Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. Course you are, Diego.
14:45
In the market for a big transfer rumour? Good stuff. Atleti’s city rivals Real Madrid have reportedly given the all-clear for Raphael Varane to leave the Bernabeu.
14:40
Mario Mandzukic gets the nod in attack for the hosts, with an exciting floating midfield trio of Koke, Antoine Griezmann and Arda Turn perched just behind. Levante are likely to adopt a similar 4-2-3-1 formation with Rafael Martins tasked with leading their line.
14:35
ATLETICO MADRID: Moya, Juanfran, Gimenez, Godin, Siqueira, Tiago, Gabi, Arda, Koke, Griezmann, Mandzukic /// LEVANTE: Marino, Ivan Lopez, Vyntra, Juanfran, Nikos, Sissoko, Diop, Morales, Casadesus, Ivanschitz, Rafael.