Atlético maintain clean sheet ahead of derby

Atlético have secured a big win over Osasuna, winning 4-0 in the 6th round of LaLiga, maintaining a clean sheet for the second consecutive match after a long period without achieving that.

Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" has reported that Atlético have responded to their coach Diego Simeone's request for balance between attack and defense, after the coach confirmed before the match against Real Sociedad that his team had been performing well offensively, but was conceding goals too easily.

The last time Atlético managed to keep a clean sheet in two consecutive matches was on February 5, when they drew 0-0 with Levante and then won 5-0 against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey.

Jan Oblak needed a longer time to achieve the same feat, as the last time the Slovenian goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in consecutive matches was on November 1, 2025, against Real Betis and Sevilla.

Atlético are preparing to face Real Madrid on Sunday in a strong test for their defense against the attacking power of the royal team. The team is looking to keep a clean sheet for the third consecutive match, something they have not achieved since May of the 2024/2025 season, when they went without conceding against Rayo Vallecano, Deportivo Alavés, and Real Sociedad.

Atlético's defensive improvement coincided with Cuti Romero's entry into the lineup, as the Argentine defender performed well during his first two matches as a starter in LaLiga.

Romero played alongside Pobble and Hanko against Real Sociedad, then featured next to Lo Norman against Osasuna, showing good form in Atlético's defense ahead of the anticipated match against Real Madrid.