Atlético Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Match Preview
Atletico wants to recover his place among the European candidates. Athletic occupies the last qualifying place with 32 points, but the two-points advantage might not be enough upon a Colchonero victory this Sunday at the Vicente Calderon. Atletico's coach Quique Sanchez Flores recovers Sergio Aguero and Jose Antonio Reyes, two of his main weapons and won't hesitate on sending Joaquin Caparros' Lions back home empty-handed.
Uruguayan international Diego Forlan will play a major role in the development of the game: In fact, Forlan has already scored 12 goals against Athletic since he joined Atletico. Tiago and Juanfran will be responsible for feeding Rojiblancos' trio of doom with enough goal-scoring opportunities to bag the victory from the first minute on.
Athletic's aerial superiority will be a headache for Atletico's defense. "This game has to bring joy and redemption to our followers" said Atletico's coach, who also recognized that nullifying Fernando Llorente should be the main concern of the hosts' defense.
The visitors will be missing defender Ustaritz Aldekoaotalora and striker Iñigo Díaz de Cerio, but Aitor Ocio's returns might make up for these absentees. Atletico has won the last two matches between these two squads and the three points are mandatory not to be left at least five points below Europa's last place.
This game is likely to define the future of both Athletic and Atletico, the winner will finish January as one Spain's top six teams, who shall succeed?