Álex Baena
ATM
Takes two shots in Saturday's loss
Baena generated two shots (one on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-0 loss against Athletic.
Analysis: Baena was a reliable attacking weapon on the left wing, and while he was unable to find the back of the net this time, his shooting and crossing numbers provided him decent value in a 3-0 loss. Considering the attack is depleted, Baena should continue to play a prominent role for Atletico Madrid going forward while slotted on the left wing.
Nets brace
Baena scored two goals to go with four shots (two on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-1 victory against Sevilla.
Analysis: Baena netted the opener from a tough angle in the fourth minute assisted by Lee Kang-in and turned the momentum in Atletico's favor. Baena netted again in the 33rd minute with a driven shot from out of the box assisted by Marcos Llorente. Baena managed to create three chances and also contributed defensively with two clearances and an intercepetion in what was an industrious display. He has provided a goal contribution in each of the three games this campaign and is also the joint top-scorer of the league currently.
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.
Returns to Madrid
Baena underwent preseason medical tests at the Vithas Madrid Arturo Soria hospital ahead of resuming training with Atletico Madrid, according to Carlos Fernandez of Marca.
Analysis: Baena finished his World Cup winning run with Spain contributing one goal and one assist across 487 minutes over seven appearances, often with his playing time carefully managed. He is expected to hold a decent role for Atletico entering his second season at the club, offering creative talent capable of playing centrally or out wide as preseason continues.
Leads team in crosses in win
Baena recorded one shot (one on goal), seven crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Argentina.
Analysis: Baena saw some action on the left flank while taking corner kicks from both sides before being replaced by Nico Williams in the 75th minute of the match. The versatile man featured in the last seven World Cup games as he was favored over a not-fully-fit Williams, although he often had his playing time managed, finishing with one goal and one assist over 487 minutes on the field. Baena will return to Atletico Madrid for his second season at the club, offering creative talent and aiming to feature either in a central or wide attacking spot.
Active in semi-finals victory
Baena recorded two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Tuesday's 2-0 win versus France.
Analysis: Baena put in a diverse stat line, pushing forward from the left wing during Tuesday's match. However, he went a third straight game without a goal or assist. With Nico Williams recently recovering from injury and struggling to reach ideal shape, Baena has remained the primary beneficiary of playing time and set pieces, getting the nod over Williams in each of the last six contests. While there could still be a share of minutes between both players in the next round, the Atletico Madrid man could have a good chance to retain the spot after his all-around effort in recent games.
Takes four corners in win
Baena recorded one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (none accurate) and four corners in Friday's 2-1 win versus Belgium.
Analysis: Baena continues to start on the left side of the attack, but his impact hasn't been very big outside of sending crosses and corners into the box. The Atletico Madrid player, who scored the game-winner against Uruguay, has a good chance to start in the semifinal match against France on Tuesday since Nico Williams, who came off the bench Friday, might not be ready to play a full 90 yet.
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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