Filomena did not allow this Atlético-Athletic to play at the beginning of January. The storm prevented the dispute of the confrontation between two historical Spanish football. Two months later, the people of Madrid are still determined to fight until the end for this League and the Basques won the Spanish Super Cup and have qualified for the final of Cup of this season. They are two reliable teams, of weight and they walk firmly hand in hand with Simeone and Marcelino, who maintain a good rivalry. Atlético comes from playing the derby. He had Real Madrid on the ropes, he was better during most of the game, but he did not finish the job. Athletic played with unit B the previous league match after the semifinal cup against Levante. In principle, Marcelino will put his best players on the grass of the Wanda Metropolitano (follow the game live on As.com).
The match is crucial to the fight for the title. Atlético takes three points from Barcelona and five from Real Madrid. To win, the distance would go to six and eight points, respectively. Nothing definitive, but a considerable advantage in the absence of twelve days for the conclusion. In Atlético's dressing room, no one is far from Simeone's famous match-by-match, but the match takes on final overtones. The leader has a golden opportunity to detach himself and the Cholo men know what is at stake. Before the break he will have to play against Getafe and Alavés. These days there is half a league in dispute.
Simeone left João Félix on the bench again, who played the final stretch of the derby. It went unnoticed. Nor did he play at the start against Vilarreal. We'll see if it starts at eleven or stays out again. Saúl also did not start against Real Madrid and could start against Athletic. It will be necessary to see if the Cholo makes any rotation or pulls those that are giving him results. The most positive thing for the Argentine coach is that Atlético is rearming, already with Trippier and Carrasco. Luis Suárez scored again after a few days of drought and will be the main threat to the Bilbao team. Like Marcos Llorente, in excellent shape.
Raúl García will form at Athletic and that are major words at Atlético. Respect and admiration for one of the important players in the recent history of the Madrid club. But the 'roller' will play as a rival and in the ninety minutes he will not give away a ball. Neither will Williams, Muniain and company. Athletic wants to get closer to the European positions and for this they need to score. LaLiga passes through the Wanda Metropolitano. The two most powerful, Barcelona and Real Madrid, will be very aware of what happens today.