Atlético Madrid are still clutching to fourth spot and entrance to the Champions league, but their fingers are beginning to slip and tension is rising at the club. The president of Atlético, Enrique Cerezo, was caught speaking openly about the team and coach Javier Aguirre when he thought the microphones were switched off, and this has caused a furor within the dressing room. To be fair to Cerezo, it was a private conversation and he is quite right about the state of the team. They are dropping points to weaker teams and will have to be very careful if they want to qualify for the Champions league next season. Racing de Santander are right behind them in fifth and just two points away, while Sevilla are next with a three point gap. Even Deportivo de la Coruña, who have been fighting relegation all season, are now six points from Atlético Madrid after an astonishing run of five consecutive wins.
As for Recreativo, they need a win desperately in order to get themselves away from the relegation zone. They are currently on forty points, two more than Zaragoza who occupy the last relegation spot. I can’t believe Zaragoza are bad enough to go down this year as they have an outstanding squad, but saying that they have a very complicated calendar, taking on Deportivo, Valencia, Real Madrid and finally Mallorca. Recreativo have it a little easier, but only just. After the Atlético Madrid game they take on Villarreal at home, Almeria away, and finally Valladolid.
Recreativo coach Manolo Zambrano will have to make a number of changes to his side that beat Levante by two goals to nil last weekend. Quique Alvarez has to sit out a one match suspension, while Portuguese defender is very doubtful due to a throat infection. Atlético Madrid also have some important absentees. Simao Sabrosa is still out through injury and this has made a great impact on their results. Also out is Jose Antonio Reyes and Thiago Motta, so Aguirre will have to modify his midfield.
Although Atlético Madrid haven’t won in three matches, I can’t see them having too many problems to overcome Recreativo, unless they put in another terrible display like their last home game against Betis. I’m going for a home then, which should set them out nicely for the visit to Espanyol.
Prediction: Home win (3-1)
Atlético Madrid are still clutching to fourth spot and entrance to the Champions league, but their fingers are beginning to slip and tension is rising at the club. The president of Atlético, Enrique Cerezo, was caught speaking openly about the team and coach Javier Aguirre when he thought the microphones were switched off, and this has caused a furor within the dressing room. To be fair to Cerezo, it was a private conversation and he is quite right about the state of the team. They are dropping points to weaker teams and will have to be very careful if they want to qualify for the Champions league next season. Racing de Santander are right behind them in fifth and just two points away, while Sevilla are next with a three point gap. Even Deportivo de la Coruña, who have been fighting relegation all season, are now six points from Atlético Madrid after an astonishing run of five consecutive wins.
As for Recreativo, they need a win desperately in order to get themselves away from the relegation zone. They are currently on forty points, two more than Zaragoza who occupy the last relegation spot. I can’t believe Zaragoza are bad enough to go down this year as they have an outstanding squad, but saying that they have a very complicated calendar, taking on Deportivo, Valencia, Real Madrid and finally Mallorca. Recreativo have it a little easier, but only just. After the Atlético Madrid game they take on Villarreal at home, Almeria away, and finally Valladolid.
Recreativo coach Manolo Zambrano will have to make a number of changes to his side that beat Levante by two goals to nil last weekend. Quique Alvarez has to sit out a one match suspension, while Portuguese defender is very doubtful due to a throat infection. Atlético Madrid also have some important absentees. Simao Sabrosa is still out through injury and this has made a great impact on their results. Also out is Jose Antonio Reyes and Thiago Motta, so Aguirre will have to modify his midfield.
Although Atlético Madrid haven’t won in three matches, I can’t see them having too many problems to overcome Recreativo, unless they put in another terrible display like their last home game against Betis. I’m going for a home then, which should set them out nicely for the visit to Espanyol.
Prediction: Home win (3-1)
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