Check to the Champions – AS.com

Nine days after soccer returned after the break due to coronavirus, Levante and Atleti look at the table with tired legs, three games in a week, but a smile on their faces: the pieces are fitting together, the objectives, today, closer. The two have returned from confinement well, strong. Levante, virtually saved, 11th, twelve points above the descent, calm. Atlético, 4th, lagging in their coveted Champions League positions while Getafe and Real fall apart (and Sevilla and Villarreal tied yesterday). Today they are measured. Fourth match in ten days (follow the game live on As.com). What Paco López wants is easy: take the curse of the Ciutat, historically cursed field, Simeone only once won, 0-5, Camilo Cano. Atleti is one of the three Primera rivals who have yet to win (with Valencia and Osasuna).

Rochina will return to his team, after sanction, in a Levante with rotations, there is no other in these game days every three days. Changes in the centrals, with Vukcevic starting in the previous three games, could be the time for Radoja in the middle and, above, with Mayoral rooted, Roger and Morales will fight for the other place. Around that gravitate the doubts of Paco López, who continues to have insurance in Aitor, the goalkeeper most for this League, and a mole on the stopped ball. Playing with the tranquility of duty (almost) fulfilled makes him more dangerous.

An Atleti who repeats list

What makes Atleti dangerous is the squad he has. Without injured (except Vrsaljko and Felipe) and with five changes, the differences between starters and substitutes are blurred. All are, keys. And Simeone is managing him as the perfect master of ceremonies. In 60 'the party is different. “I need everyone”, that Cholo insists and that executes. Costa can start but end Morata, that João starts and then kills the power of Llorente, Giménez is essential, insuperable. For today, the game against Valladolid gives clues, it seems that no one will start from the ownership of Lodi, Saúl or Costa.

Winning will be a check against the Champions, mattress with the fifth, Europa League place, the one that fell on all his aspirations like a brick during all the confinement.