Álex Baena
ATM
Scores winner off bench
Baena scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 1-0 win versus Espanyol. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 68th minute.
Analysis: Baena started on the bench against Espanyol after his midweek start against Manchester United, but he needed only 28 minutes to decide the game when he struck the winner late on. That goal capped a lively cameo in which he created two chances and recorded his only shot, and it was the second straight league match in which he came off the bench to settle things, after his cross set up Cristian Romero for the winner at Alaves. It reflects how far he has come since a troubled first season at the club, as he is now playing with real confidence and has two goals and two assists across his last five games, a run that underlines his growing importance to Atletico.
Goal and four chances created
Alex Baena scored one goal to go with five shots (two on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Osasuna.
Analysis: Baena has gone from a peripheral figure in the closing weeks of last season, when coach Diego Simeone tended to look elsewhere for the big occasions, to one of the first names on the team sheet. He tormented the Osasuna back line all evening at the Metropolitano and finished the job himself late on, with five shots and four chances created on a night when Atletico had far too much for the visitors. That makes it five straight starts across all competitions for him, a run that has brought 15 shots, 11 chances created and three goals, though a first assist still eludes him.
Assists equalizer in home draw
Alex Baena assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Villarreal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 54th minute.
Analysis: Baena came from the bench at halftime and assisted Giuliano Simeone for the equalizer at the end of the game. Having started in seven games at the World Cup, he is building up his minutes and has scored and assisted from the bench in both of his games. He has also created two chances in each of these games.
Scores impressive free kick
Baena scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Wednesday's 2-0 win against Malaga.
Analysis: Baena doubled Atletico's lead with a perfect free kick in the 86th minute, slotting a shot from around 25 yards out into an impossible angle for Alfonso Herrero. Baena represented Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and figures to be a key player for Atletico Madrid following the departure of Thiago Almada.
Leads match in crosses
Baena had three shots (two on goal), seven crosses (zero accurate) and five corners in Monday's 1-0 win against Portugal.
Analysis: Baena was all over the attack in his 75 minutes of work despite walking away without a goal contribution, notching three shots and a match-leading seven crosses. However, it ended his two-match streak with a goal contribution, earning one goal and an assist at this World Cup. With four straight starts and productive outings in his past few games, he is likely to remain in the starting XI.
Assists in win over Austria
Baena assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and six corners in Thursday's 3-0 win versus Austria.
Analysis: Baena delivered an assist in Spain's second goal with a pinpoint cross that was nodded home by Pedro Porro from close range. Baena has been starting at left wing due to the absences of Nico Williams (groin) and Yeremi Pino (collarbone), but he's been delivering strong performances time and time again. In three starts, Baena has one goal, one assist, five shots, three chances created, 20 crosses and 14 corners taken.
Nets lone goal Friday
Baena scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), six crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Friday's 1-0 win against Uruguay. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 46th minute.
Analysis: Baena would score the lone goal of the match Friday with a bit of fortune, as a long-range strike that looked to be an easy save was parried into the net by Uruguayan keeper Fernando Muslera for a goal. This gave Baena his first goal contribution of the tournament, only recording three shots and three chances created in his two appearances thus far. He will look to remain in the starting role on the left of the attack, although Nico Williams will also have a strong case for that role in the knockouts.
Starts, records seven crosses
Baena recorded two shots, two chances created and seven crosses in Sunday's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Baena would get the start Sunday after not playing at all in their opener, with the midfielder recording 61 minutes of play. He would lead his team in crosses with seven, likely benefiting from having duties on four corner kicks. A starting role for the midfielder will be tough to keep, as Nico Williams will likely push for that role moving forward.
Suspension cleared
Baena is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.
Analysis: Baena has served his suspension due to yellow card accumulation in La Liga and is set to return in the next contest. The midfielder is expected to resume his rotational role moving forward.
Picks up suspension
Baena is suspended for one match due to yellow card accumulation.
Analysis: Baena is heading to the sidelines for one of the final three matches this season, set to miss out against Osasuna on Tuesday due to suspension. He did start the last match, but has been more of a rotational player for the club, with Rodrigo Mendoza or Obed Vargas as viable options due to the injuries in the midfield.
Assists in win over Athletic
Baena assisted once to go with three crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 win versus Athletic.
Analysis: Baena got involved in the decisive goal by returning a ball to Alexander Sorloth during the 54th minute of the weekend's game. The midfielder excelled in playmaking duties, generating another big chance in addition to the assist. He bounced back from a poor run of form, ending a 10-game drought in terms of goal contributions. He'll hope to remain a steady presence going forward, helping his team through intelligent passing and occasional set-piece service.
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