Seattle Sounders Battle Atletico Madrid: Complete Match Preview with Bold Predictions and Expected Lineups
Atlético Madrid desperately require a victory as they face the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field this Thursday.
The Spanish club's Club World Cup debut began with a crushing 4–0 loss to the dominant European champions under the scorching California heat, with Paris Saint-Germain picking up where they left off after their Munich triumph.
Nevertheless, the outcome might have been different if Julián Alvarez's goal, which would have reduced their disadvantage by half, hadn't been disallowed due to a foul on Désiré Doué after VAR review. Alexander Sørloth also squandered a clear opportunity that could have brought Diego Simeone's team back into contention.
Ultimately, Atléti were overwhelmed and finished with ten players.
Despite the heavy loss, the La Liga outfit will feel optimistic about recovering against a Seattle squad that also suffered defeat in their opening match. The Sounders' comeback came too late against Botafogo, who secured a 2–1 win, though their second-half performance over the weekend provided some positive signs.
Will they manage to achieve a significant upset on their home ground?
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this Club World Cup encounter.
What Time Does Seattle Sounders vs. Atlético Madrid Kick-Off?
Seattle Sounders vs. Atlético Madrid Head-to-Head Record
This marks the first competitive meeting between Seattle Sounders and Atlético Madrid.
Current Form (all competitions)
Seattle Sounders | Atlético Madrid |
|---|---|
Botafogo 2–1 Seattle Sounders – 15/06/25 | PSG 4–0 Atlético Madrid – 15/06/25 |
Vancouver Whitecaps 3–0 Seattle Sounders – 09/06/25 | Girona 0–4 Atlético Madrid – 25/05/25 |
Seattle Sounders 2–3 Minnesota United – 01/06/25 | Atlético Madrid 4–1 Real Betis – 18/05/25 |
Seattle Sounders 1–0 San Diego FC – 29/05/25 | Osasuna 2–0 Atlético Madrid – 15/05/25 |
Seattle Sounders 1–0 FC Dallas – 24/05/25 | Atlético Madrid 4–0 Real Sociedad – 10/05/25 |
How to Watch Seattle Sounders vs. Atlético Madrid on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | DAZN |
United Kingdom | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN |
Catch every FIFA Club World Cup match live and on-demand
Seattle Sounders Team News
Central defender Yeimar Gómez failed to recover in time for the Sounders' loss to Botafogo on Saturday night, and the rapid schedule suggests he remains questionable for this match. His presence on the substitutes' bench previously was a positive sign, however.
Kim Hee-Kim was also an injury worry before the tournament began, but he was considered fit enough to partner Jackson Ragen in the backline during the first match.
Stuart Russell Hawkins will probably be unavailable once more, while Jordan Morris, similar to Gómez, is managing a hamstring problem. Left-back Nouhou Tolo might be substituted following his disappointing display at the weekend.
Seattle Sounders Predicted Lineup vs. Atlético Madrid
Seattle Sounders predicted lineup vs. Atlético (4-2-3-1): Frei; Roldan, Kim, Ragen, Tolo; Roldan, Vargas; De La Vega, Rusnak, Kent; Ferreira.
Atlético Madrid Team News
Simeone needs to adjust his defensive setup after Clément Lenglet was dismissed with two yellow cards against PSG. Multiple candidates are available to partner Robin Le Normand in Seattle, including the soon-to-be free agents Reinildo, Axel Witsel and César Azpilicueta.
Alternatively, the Atléti manager might choose veteran defender José María Giménez despite the Uruguayan not featuring in Pasadena.
Alexander Sørloth will likely start from the bench again after his substitute appearance against PSG, though midfield changes are possible with Conor Gallagher potentially taking Samuel Lino's place.
Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Seattle Sounders
Atlético predicted lineup vs. Seattle Sounders (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Le Normand, Reinildo; Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher; Alvarez, Griezmann
Seattle Sounders vs. Atlético Madrid Score Prediction
Competing with Luis Enrique's smooth-operating machine under those circumstances on Saturday was always going to be challenging for Atlético Madrid, yet a 4–0 defeat seemed excessive.
However, there's potential for Simeone's squad to improve significantly during this tournament and they should have more freedom to express themselves on Thursday.
Although the Sounders have home advantage, these atmospheres differ greatly from their usual MLS encounters, and Atléti shouldn't be intimidated in this less hostile environment.
Their performance might display a systematic, practical approach, but the Spanish side will importantly secure all three points.