Chronicle EditorMADRID. — Atletico Madrid can take another huge step towards their first Spanish La Liga soccer title in 18 years when they travel to face Valencia at the Mestalla tomorrow.
Diego Simeone’s men need to win just three of their remaining four games to mathematically seal the championship.
However, Simeone’s task this weekend is complicated by one of his side’s most difficult away trips of the season falling between the two legs of Atletico’s Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.
Midfielder Jose Sosa, though, believes five days rest will be more than enough to ensure they are in the right condition to secure a ninth straight league win.
“The coaching staff are handling that aspect well with the players that have played the most minutes.
“Those that played on Tuesday will have a bit more rest in the days before the game to ensure they are ready to play at any moment,” he told a press conference on Thursday.
“We need to rest and give the second leg the attention the semi-finals of the Champions League deserves, but we need to maintain the same focus in La Liga because at this stage of the season we cannot relax.”
The likes of Sosa, David Villa, Arda Turan and Tiago are likely to be drafted into the side that started Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at home to Chelsea, whilst captain Gabi is certain to start as he is suspended for the second leg at Stanford Bridge.
Barcelona were the one side of the three title hopefuls not in Champions League action in midweek after falling to Atletico in the quarter-finals.
The Catalans lie four points behind Atletico in second place, albeit having played a game more than third-placed Real Madrid, and defender Marc Bartra insists they must maintain the pressure on the league leaders when they travel to Villarreal tomorrow. — AFP.
Online Reporter