Levante vs Atlético Madrid Match Preview
Midweek's defeat for the Europa League left reigning champion Atletico in a highly compromised situation to qualify for the next stage. Levante, on the other hand, stands only one point above the relegation line and the three points are mandatory to lift the spirit of the players.
Luis Garcia squad is absolutely dismantled by injuries: Vicente Iborra, Miguel Pérez, Xisco Muñoz, Héctor Rodas, Ignacio González and Valdimiro Lopes are all ruled out from the game while Christian Stuani and Felipe Caicedo are physically compromised and might not be fully fit to perform.
But not everything is a nightmare for Levante. Asier del Horno might return to the starting squad after three weeks if he recovers fully from an ankle injury, and his presence might be decisive to deal with Atletico's attackers.
Quique Sanchez Flores' Lions have lost all confidence in the last two games at the Vicente Calderon "We thought we'd win but we failed to do things as we should. We've made many mistakes, I made the first one, but from now on we must recover our pace and never sit down" said Atletico coach.
Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan will be once again leading Colchoneros' attack. Their partnership has not been as strong as it used to be before during this season and neither Jose Reyes nor Simao have been able to take the lead on their own.
Is Levante ready to celebrate a massive victory over the European champion?
Levante vs Atlético Madrid Match Report
Levante celebrated a major victory over Quique Sanchez Flores' Colchoneros at the Estadio Ciutat. Nano's early goal in the 2nd minute of the game was decisive, followed by Felipe Caicedo close to the hour mark.
"The first goal condemned us. The second was a public execution" said Atletico coach when asked about the game. Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan were isolated on the attack and the hosts took advantage of their superiority lead by Xisco Nadal.
Atletico goalkeeper David De Gea was responsible for the opener, as he failed to clear the ball, which Xavi Torres caught and lifted for Nano to head the ball straight into the net. Atletico defense was insecure and Jose Reyes was the only player that made enough efforts to reach Levante area.
The last 30 minutes of the game were a recurrent nightmare for the visitors. Levante celebrated an important victory that let Luis Garcia's boys open a four point gap from the bottom fight. Atletico suffered its third defeat in the week.