Atleti’s surprise-packed Champions League A list

Atletico Madrid have set up their Champions League A squad, and Mundo Deportivo highlights a couple of names that stand out. The club begin the competition this Wednesday in Anfield, again facing Liverpool, just like last season when they lost (2-3) in a match that finished with some controversy.

A-list with some curveballs

The main talking point is the inclusion of Obed Vargas. The newspaper notes that he hadn’t made the recent LaLiga squads, and that he was actively looking for a loan to keep building experience. If he doesn’t leave, the article says Simeone could still give him minutes in the Champions League.

Arnau Solà is another new face in the A list. He arrived this summer to join the reserve team, but with Julio Díaz out, he was able to take part in the first-team pre-season and impressed enough to earn his place. Since, as a recent academy addition, he can’t be included in the B list, Simeone has kept him in the A roster.

First-team names, and one ban

Mundo Deportivo also points out that players such as Arnau Ortiz and Dani Martínez are effectively first-team members. The catch is that Arnau Ortiz won’t be available at Anfield due to a suspension stemming from previous European action with Slask Wroclaw.

The rest of the A squad, per the same source, includes Oblak and Musso in goal; defenders Hancko, Pubill, Romero, Grimaldo, Le Normand, Dani Martínez and Arnau Solà; midfielders Obed Vargas, Mendoza, Cardoso, Koke, Kang-in, Barrios, Baena, Llorente and Hjulmand; and forwards Sorloth, Lookman, Jonathan David, Arnau Ortiz, Julián Álvarez and Giuliano.

Mundo Deportivo expects the B list to be published in the coming hours, with Esquivel and other regular training names such as Domínguez or Castillo.