Lino: A Match with a Taste of Past and Future
Atlético de Madrid faces Valencia in a crucial match for their league aspirations. A match with a special meaning for Samu Lino, who returns to Mestalla, the place where his career in Spain took off.
The Brazilian, loaned two seasons ago to Valencia, left an indelible mark, being key to the team’s permanence in a difficult season. Lino already knows what it’s like to score against his former team, having done so last season with the red and white shirt.
During his time at Valencia, he played 41 matches, accumulating more than 3,160 minutes, with eight goals and three assists. Numbers that earned him Simeone’s trust upon his return to Atlético.
After his successful stint at Valencia, Lino established himself as a fundamental piece in Cholo’s scheme, more than making up for Carrasco’s departure. In his first season as a colchonero, he played 46 matches, 36 as a starter, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists. Although the start of this season was somewhat more complicated, Lino has regained his best form in recent matches, returning to the starting lineup and contributing goals and assists. Undoubtedly, a key player for Atlético in this decisive stretch of the season.
