3 Things: Toluca 0-0 Atlético Madrid

Juanfran started, which may be significant

Diego Simeone’s first XI of the season was one of the strongest he can roll out (especially as Saúl Ñíguez is still on vacation):

However, last season showed that 25-year-old Šime Vrsaljko (who played the entire second half on Tuesday) has essentially overtaken 33-year-old Juanfran in terms of ability, in addition to future potential. Perhaps it means nothing - Diego Godín started on the bench too, and he’s obviously first-choice - but the right back competition is something to keep an eye on for the next few weeks. It does seem that for now, Simeone is keeping his options open on the right side.

Luciano Vietto might have just played his last game for Atlético

In the 92nd minute, Ángel Correa slipped Luciano Vietto through for a 1v1 opportunity against Toluca goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera. It had been a game of few opportunities to that point, and the much-maligned Argentine could have ended a dull affair with a very late strike. Instead, his first touch left him when he tried to control the ball in the box, and the whistle blew seconds after the ball rolled away harmlessly.

It was the icing on the cake in an underwhelming 45 minutes for the 23-year-old, and with interest in his services popping up across Europe, don’t be surprised if he doesn’t feature in next week’s Audi Cup in Munich.

Augusto’s back!

For the first time since Sept. 25, Augusto Fernández took the pitch for Atlético Madrid. The 31-year-old missed 10 months after he tore his right ACL in a game against Deportivo last season and played the first 45 minutes on Tuesday, showing no signs of discomfort in the process. Simeone said late last season that Augusto’s injury really compromised his ability to rotate key personnel like Gabi and Koke, so here’s hoping that this is the first step toward a fully fit and functional Augusto. Remember, when available, he’s a rugged defensive presence in central midfield.