Atletico Madrid have been the biggest challengers to the duopoly of Spain’s big two of Barcelona and Real Madrid in recent seasons. Diego Simeone’s side have more often than not been competing for the title under the Argentinian.
However, this season has been slightly different, as the men from Madrid find themselves fourth in the table. The third leg of the Spanish title tripod this season has been Sevilla, who Simeone’s side host on Sunday afternoon.
Atletico are five points behind Jorge Sampaoli’s side in the table. Not only are Atleti not in the title race, but they are also having to attempt to stave off the likes of Real Sociedad and Villarreal in the fight for the Champions League spots.
Simeone’s side have found some consistent in recent weeks, winning five of their last seven outings in the Spanish top-flight and suffering just one league defeat in their last 12 league outings.
Their home form has always been strong under Simeone and this season has been no different. Only Real Madrid and Barcelona have won at the Calderon in the Spanish top-flight and the home side have recorded five wins from their last six games on home soil.
Sevilla’s form has stalled slightly in recent weeks. Consecutive 1-1 draws in La Liga against Alaves and Leganes were followed by a 2-0 defeat at Leicester in the Champions League last-16, which saw Sampaoli’s side exit the competition.
The Andalucian’s are now five points behind league leaders Real Madrid, who also have a game in hand. The visitor’s away record in La Liga has been decent of late, as they have won five of their last six games on their travels. They will be desperate to win this clash to keep their title hopes alive.
However, Forebet predicts that this game will end in a draw and do neither sides chances of achieving their respective goals any good.