Previews
SAT 02.05.2015
Atlético Madrid and Athletic Club face off at the Vicente Calderón on matchday 35 of the Liga BBVA. Los rojiblancos, who sit third on 75 points, are aiming to mathematically seal their presence in next season’s UEFA Champions League as soon as possible. Meanwhile, eighth-placed Athletic have seventh in their sights, a position currently occupied by Málaga CF, who los bilbaínos are level on points with on 47.
Team news
With a full complement of players available, Atleti boss Diego Pablo Simeone has been forced to leave individuals out, and Cristian Daniel Ansaldi and Rubén Gracia 'Cani' miss out. Visiting coach Ernesto Valverde will be without injured pair Iker Muniain and Ibai Gómez, while he has good news in the form of Xabi Etxeita’s return to the squad.
Views from the dugout
Simeone considers the match of vital importance: "We can take another step towards getting the team into the UEFA Champions League for the third time in a row, something which hasn’t happened in the club’s 112-year history." And he added: "There’s always room for improvement and we have to look to grow. We always compete, and that’s what’s important."
Valverde also spoke to the media ahead of the clash, and described Athletic’s opponents as an outfit "with top-drawer players". He went on: "They’re a team who play quality football and play with tempo. We’ll need to be strong against a side that make every challenge for the ball a personal battle".
© LALIGA - 2015