Anyone waiting for a major hiccup from Atletico Madrid got it last week with their 2-0 loss to Levante. There was a tension about them that hadn't been seen in weeks, if not months. The writing was on the wall from an early stage of the game. The nerves and energy exerted in getting them to this stage can both be mentioned but it must also be said that Levante had nothing to lose and really took the game to Simeone's men.
This week, they are back at the Vicente Calderon and face a Malaga side who lie 13th in the table and need one point to ensure safety from relegation this season. They have not won in two games and their last away win was against lowly Real Betis at the end of March. Since then they have been beaten by Athletic Club and Getafe without scoring a goal which doesn't bode well for them coming up against, arguably, the strongest defence in Europe.
Los Rojiblancos on the other hand have not dropped points at home since Real Madrid visited and the neighbours played out a 2-2 draw at the start of March. Atletico also know that a win and failure for Barcelona to collect full points at Elche will result in the title heading in Madrid's direction (and I don't mean to the Bernabeu).
In terms of injuries and suspensions, the big news during the week was that Diego Costa missed friday's training session to undergo an MRI scan on a strained hamstring. Club officials have confirmed that he has a grade 1 muscle injury but no tear which is paradoxically good news, it is bad news but it could be worse. The hunger and ambition within this squad would hopefully see his replacement make an impact and stake a claim for a place in the team for the season finale and a Champions League final, perhaps, if Costa is to miss out.
Juanfran returns from suspension after receiving a red card against Valencia in a 1-0 victory recently and Diego Godin will miss out after accumulating enough yellow cards to merit a one game suspension.
Toby Alderweireld deputised in place of Juanfran at right-back against Levante and will likely drop into the centre to partner Miranda, who was a suprise omission from Felipe Luiz Scolari's Brazil World Cup squad during the week.
While this victory would appear to be a definite for Atletico, who are chasing their first title since 1996, it is not as nothing in Spain has been what it seems this year. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico all seem to be suffering from a tepidation when it comes to grabbing the title and calling it their own. Two draws and a loss from the "Big Three" last week was enough to blow the title race back open. Perhaps this week when we are expecting shocks, we won't get any?
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