Image source: Getty Images
2025-26 Spanish La Liga
Matchday 17
Girona v Atletico Madrid
Estadio Municipal de Montilivi
Girona, Spain
Sunday, 21 December 2025
Kick-off is at 13h00
Atletico Madrid have the chance to go above Villarreal for a couple of hours at least when they take on La Liga strugglers Girona at Montilivi on Sunday, December 21 in the early kick-off.
Los Colchoneros had seen their title aspirations suffer a double blow after losing back-to-back games against Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao earlier this month.
But Diego Simeone's side returned to winning ways with a 2-1 success against Valencia on December 13 to close within one point of the Yellow Submarine, whose trip to Levante was postponed due to bad weather.
Victory for Atleti would take them two points clear of Villarreal in third place, having played three games more though, with the Castellon outfit hosting league leaders Barcelona later that same afternoon.
Suggested photo: Viktor Tsygankov of Girona
Girona boosted their chances of survival with a welcome 2-1 win against Real Sociedad on December 12 which saw them go level with Los Ches (17th) and Osasuna (16th) on 15 points.
However, Michel's side remain in the relegation zone on goal difference and things could look even worse if they are beaten heavily again, having conceded seven goals without reply in their two meetings with Atletico last season.
Image source: Getty Images
Simeone had veterans Koke and Antoine Griezmann to thank for claiming all three points against Valencia and he believes the duo's presence is helping the team despite their diminished role this term.
"The three of us were chatting for a long time today because, well, maybe Koke has played a lot of games in this period," the Argentine said.
"It's true that [Johnny] Cardoso hasn't had the chance to play regularly, we need him to be able to share that position, but Koke is responding as he always does.
"And with Griezmann, lately, he's been playing less as a starter. And obviously, it's not easy for a historic, legendary footballer, a goalscorer in the history of the club, not to give him that starting position that obviously one always believes he deserves from Antoine Griezmann's position.
"And I wanted to convey to him how important he always is when he gets to play as a starter... he helps the team, he enjoys himself and, obviously, this step that both Antoine Griezmann and Koke are going through helps the team, which is what their presence in the squad is all about."
Head-to-Head (Last Five La Liga Meetings)
Matches - 5
Girona wins - 1
Atletico wins - 4
Draws - 0
La Liga Matchday 17 fixtures:
Friday, December 19
20h00: Valencia v Real Mallorca
Saturday, December 20
13h00: Real Oviedo v Celta Vigo
15h15: Levante v Real Sociedad
17h30: Osasuna v Alaves
20h00: Real Madrid v Sevilla
Sunday, December 21
13h00: Girona v Atletico Madrid
15h15: Villarreal v Barcelona
17h30: Elche v Rayo Vallecano
20h00: Real Betis v Getafe
Monday, December 22
20h00: Athletic Bilbao v Espanyol
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