"Juan Francisco Torres Belén was booked in the 53rd minute for the following reason: Bringing down an opponent while challenging for the ball," states the match report written by referee José Antonio Texeira Vitienes at the end of the encounter between Málaga and Atlético on Saturday.

It is not just another card. In this case it means that Juanfran has now amassed five yellow cards and will be unable to play against Barcelona in the final game of the first half of the season. This is a problem for Simeone, given that the Spaniard is one of the pillars of the Atleti defence, which has conceded the least goals in the league so far.

The club does not believe that the foul deserved a card, with the Atleti defender barely touching the Málaga player

Atlético has decided to refer the card to the Competition Commission. The club does not believe that the foul deserved a card, with the Atleti defender barely touching the Málaga player, and is confident that Juanfran will be available for the clash with Gerardo Martino's men.

In fact, the player himself was convinced of it at the end of the game against Málaga and was the first to request that the booking be rescinded. Playing against Barcelona is one of his goals, as could be seen when he vehemently protested the card. He knew what it meant and it would be a harsh blow for someone as competitive as the Spaniard. He always wants to play, and more so in a game where there is as much at stake as there is against Barça.