Atletico Madrid have the perfect platform to banish fears they may miss out on Uefa Champions League qualification for the first time in twelve years when they host Athletic Bilbao in a winner takes all Liga Santander duel on Saturday evening. Los Colchoneros begin match day 33 of this season’s campaign on 61 points, three ahead of Los Leones but winless in their last three confrontations with the visitors.
Wanda Metropolitano boss Diego Simeone is especially keen to make amends for their recent Spanish Cup semifinal confrontations which Ernesto Valverde’s eventual Copa del Rey winners won 3-0 on aggregate after triumphing 2-0 at San Mames and 1-0 in the capital. The 24 time Copa del Rey winners also prevailed 3-0 in the reverse Liga Santander fixture.
Athletic Bilbao have gone off the boil since beating Real Mallorca in the Copa del Rey final and are winless in their last four outings having been held to surprising 1-1 draws at San Mames by Villarreal and Mallorca. But in the Williams brothers, Inaki and Nico, as well as Ohlan Sancet they possess a very potent attacking trio capable of undoing any defense.
Under Simeone’s tutelage, Los Colchoneros have never finished outside Liga Santander’s top three but they host a Bilbao side they’ve beaten just twice in eight outings on the back of losses to Borussia Dortmund (2-4) and Alaves (0-2). The Argentine gaffer is particularly concerned about his defense which has let in 38 goals in 32 games, the same tally as Mallorca who are 16th. It is the club’s joint worst defensive record under Simeone.
Match day 33 commences on Friday with title favourites Real Madrid defending an eleven point lead atop the standings away to Immanol Iguacil’s unpredictable Real Sociedad. Dani Carvajal’s injury implies Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti is likely to play Lucas Vasquez at right back while Eder Militao could make his first start after four appearances.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Luka Modric, Joselu Mato and Brahim Diaz should all feature as Ancelotti rests stars Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham in readiness for Tuesday’s Uefa Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
Ousted champions Barcelona are without injured stars Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong and Pablo Martin Gavira’Gavi’ for Monday’s game at home to Valencia in manager Xavi Hernandez’s first game since rescinding his decision to quit at the season’s climax and committing his future to the club. Blaugrana are gunning for three points to guarantee second place ahead of fellow Catalonians Girona whom they meet next week.
FRIDAY
Real Sociedad v Real Madrid
SATURDAY
Las Palmas v Girona,
Almeria v Getafe,
Deportivo Alaves v Celta Vigo,
Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao
SUNDAY
Cadiz v Real Mallorca,
Granada v Osasuna,
Villarreal v Rayo Vallecano,
Real Betis v Sevilla
MONDAY
Barcelona v Valencia