Atlético says goodbye to the Champions League and can only hold on to a League where they are first. Simeone's pupils know that they have to lift the domestic championship for the season to have been positive. The unexpected stumble in the Cup against Cornellà together with the elimination against Chelsea mean that Atleti is 'forced' to win LaLiga. Simeone's men face 11 finals on a tough schedule that comes at a difficult time mentally, but which serves as an escape route from a season with a double blow.
The mattress team has remained in the lead since November 2020. Since then they have not gotten off the first square and even on some day they have got to get 11 points to the second classified. The rojiblanco team has managed to save important matches and it still being the favorite to win LaLiga, at least because of the position he is in. The most imminent final comes against an Alavés who risks his life in the next game. After the break, Sevilla and Betis await them on April 4 and 11, respectively. Two games against rivals who are in good shape. Equally complicated is the end of April with SD Huesca who need to score 21 at Wanda and Athletic 25 at Nuevo San Mamés. Simeone's men will close the month against SD Éibar at home.
The acid test will come in May in some very complicated games, especially against Barça and Real Sociedad. But first they will debut the last month of competition against Elche as visitors on day two. A week later they will have to travel to Barcelona to face the culé team, where they can possibly hit the table if they win. Almost without respite, they will have to play three days later against Real Sociedad at home and will close LaLiga against Osasuna and Valladolid, on the 16th and 23rd, respectively.
A leader with an advantage
Atleti has 63 points. In this way, he takes four from Barça and six from Real Madrid in a competition that has become more and more equal. The advantage, however minimal it may seem, is equivalent to two games. After the elimination against Chelsea, Simeone wanted to 'pamper' two players who have to be key in this final stretch, such as João and Saúl: “It is the best match of João since he's been on the team. He is the footballer we want. I also really liked Saúl in the second half. “