Atletico´s Baena back enjoying himself after tough season

Alex Baena is back enjoying his football after a difficult few months and a tough first season at Atletico Madrid.

Baena assisted Alexander Sorloth’s first goal in a 3-2 win for Atletico against Athletic Club in Saturday’s LaLiga clash.

The former Villarreal midfielder led Atletico for chances created (two), but he has endured a tough campaign.

Baena joined Atletico for big money last summer, but has provided just three assists and scored only two goals in LaLiga this term, creating 39 chances.

Last season, Baena created a league-leading 95 chances, providing nine assists and scoring seven goals.

Today I enjoyed myself again, it had been months since I had done so,” he told DAZN.

“It’s been a year of processes and finding myself here.

“[Diego Simeone] told us to enjoy ourselves, to go out and win, and that we had nothing to lose. He’s taken the pressure off us because of our losing streak. We’re happy with the three points and the boost to morale.”

Alex assists, Álex scores pic.twitter.com/Jy7c9PI7m5

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 25, 2026

Atletico’s win saw them snap a four-game losing run in LaLiga, while last weekend they lost to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final, and their focus now turns to hosting Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

“We have to keep working the way we have been,” Simeone said.

“We’ve reached this point by competing the way we have; nothing has stopped us so far. Everything has been a greater force, driving us to keep pursuing the goals the club needs and the fans want.

“This year we’re closer to what the fans want, which is to play in finals. We played in the cup final and lost, and now we’ll play in the Champions League semi-finals. The fans are excited, it helps the club grow, and it makes us stronger because we have what it takes to be where we are.

“We’re facing a very good opponent, one we already faced at the beginning of the season. It will be difficult, complex, like any Champions League semi-final.”