Atletico Madrid take on Elche at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday as they look to finish their season on a high after being knocked out of the Champions League by city rivals Real Madrid.
Atletico lost 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night courtesy of a late Javier Hernandez strike. Atletico had been reduced to ten men with fifteen minutes to play when Arda Turan received his second yellow card and Diego Simeone's side were unable to hang on to take the game to extra time.
The biggest challenge for Simeone will be motivating his team for the remainder of the season with it looking increasingly likely that the best they can do is finish third. Simeone appeared unconcerned in his press conference after the Real defeat and claims they are still on course to meet their targets this season. Simeone said, "The objectives were to win the Spanish Supercopa and to finish third in La Liga."
Atletico are currently third in La Liga, nine behind Barcelona and seven behind Real Madrid. The top three will qualify for next years Champions League group stages and fourth will have to play in a playoff against another "non-champion." Valencia are currently fourth, four points behind Atletico and two ahead of Sevilla in fifth.
Atletico are in good form in La Liga having gone nine games without defeat. However, that includes a run of three draws at the start of March that effectively ended their title hopes. They will be hoping to finish the season in a positive manner and their cause will be helped by the fact Simeone has a full squad at his disposal.
Elche arrive at the Calderon in good form having won their last two games against Cordoba and Real Sociedad. Fran Escriba's side now sit fourteenth in La Liga, six points clear of the relegation one. Escriba will be aware that with six games left they are not out of the woods and they will be looking to mathematically guarantee safety as soon as possible.
The club has been caught up in off the field issues this season with players and staff not being paid for the last two months. Escriba admitted to being concerned but is keen to focus on football matters. "We're going to try to influence what we can, win games and achieve safety but we do not deny that we are concerned," Escriba said in his post match press conference.
Escriba does have plenty of on the field issues to keep him busy with no fewer than six players likely to miss the trip to Madrid. Aaron Niguez, Victor Rodriguez and Mario Pasalic are suspended and Jose Angel, Edu Albacar and Sergio Pelegrin look likely to miss out through injury which will pose a few problems for Los Franjiverdes.
Atletico will be expected to get the better of Elche but Simeone will have to lift his players after the disappointment in midweek. Elche could be a dangerous opponent if Atleti struggle to motivate themselves with Escriba's men quite literally fighting for their futures.
Predicted Teams
Atletico Madrid - Oblak; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Gamez; Koke, Gabi, Tiago, Arda; Griezmann, Mandzukic.
Elche - Tyton; Damian, Enzo Roco, Lomban, Cisma; Adrian, Mosquera; Alvaro, Fajr, Coro; Jonathas.