Vargas to start against Bayern in the Champions League
Obed Vargas will start for Atlético de Madrid against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday, November 3, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, after the injury to Johnny Cardoso, the absence of Koke and the suspension of Morten Hjulmand.
Cardoso suffered a low‑grade muscle injury in the thigh during the match against Stuttgart, while Koke is out due to a muscle problem. Hjulmand, sent off in the 1‑1 draw against Stuttgart, serves a suspension in the next European round, leaving the Mexican and Pablo Barrios as the only midfield pair.
Vargas' Background
Vargas was close to being loaned to Alavés in August, but Atlético kept him and will turn him into the “box‑to‑box” against Bayern. He arrived in February from Seattle Sounders for eight million euros and signed until 2030, and now faces his first starting eleven in the Champions League.
The Mexican had accumulated ten European matches without minutes: nine as a substitute and one out of the squad, between the final phase of last season and the start of the current one. He was an unused substitute against Liverpool and did not feature on the list against Manchester United.
His debut came on Tuesday in Stuttgart, replacing Julián Álvarez in the final stage of the schedule. He had previously debuted for Mexico at the 2026 World Cup against South Africa and received offers from several LaLiga clubs for a loan, but stayed in Madrid.
Pablo Barrios will complete the double pivot: he provides pause and ball‑carrying on the build‑up, while Vargas covers from box to box, presses the first German line, wins the second ball and gets back in time to close when Bayern attacks in transition.
That profile, more about legs than possession, is what Simeón needs, as he does not have Cardoso, Koke or Hjulmand on the bench.
Recent Form of the Teams
Atlético have accumulated four points after three matchdays: a win against Manchester United, a loss to Liverpool and a draw with Stuttgart.
Bayern have added five points, with two consecutive draws against Viking and Arsenal.
A win at the Metropolitano would put Simeón’s side ahead of the German team in the league‑stage standings.