Atlético Madrid vs Sporting CP Lisbon Match Preview
Atletico Madrid will hope to ride their wave of good fortune when they welcome Sporting to the Spanish Capital for the first- leg meeting. This will be the first meeting between the two clubs.
Madrid is coming off a 1-1 finish against Zaragoza this weekend. They lost a key component in their line up. Reyes was dismissed in the 70th minute. There has been some speculation over the sending off. Reyes said, "I'm furious because it was a pretty unfair sending-off. I've spoken with Eliseu and he recognized that I didn't touch him at all, that he threw himself down and the referee was take in." Whatever the case may be, Madrid held off the opposition and got a late goal to seal up the draw.
Atletico will look to draw strength from the powerful duo up front. Forlan and Augero would like to make some changes in Madrid's home record in Europe. They have gone without a victory in their last four home games. Simao will be facing his old club where he started his career; and should have bright ambitions of showing how he has developed as leader and goal scorer. Madrid is out of the running in La Liga to qualify for a spot in Europe next year. Look for them to come out with quick pace and tenacity.
Lisbon got another victory this weekend over Liga's worst team Belenenses. Liedson had a field day smashing home four goals all in the second half of play. Sporting has earned respect and credibility with their dismantling of Everton in the last round of the Europa League. The self proclaimed giant killers will look to take the game to their opponents with a relentless work ethic. Izmailov and Moutinho must control the tempo in the middle of the pitch and create opportunities going forward. They possess a lot of speed and charisma on the pitch, often inspiring team-mates. However, Sporting has lost their last two Europa League away fixtures.
A small bit of controversy surrounds the Portuguese club. Miguel Veloso, Sporting's young star is being pursued by a number of clubs in the English Premier league. His former teammate Nani spoke on the situation, "I know him well because he was a team-mate of mine and I know he has the quality to play for a club like United. The football here is hard but he is someone who can do well at a big club. And I know he already has the opportunities to leave Sporting." One may speculate that this kind of interest from bigger clubs will only improve his motivation, drive and play on the field, rather that be a distraction to the club and their goals in this round.
