Atletico's recent form has been a cause for concern, with narrow defeats marking their last few outings ,including a disappointing first-leg Copa Del Rey loss to Bilbao and a surprising league defeat at the hands of Sevilla.
This Saturday at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid finds itself in a crucial juncture of their La Liga campaign as they host the season's revelation, Las Palmas.
With Bilbao breathing down their necks, Diego Simeone's side faces a must-win situation against an 8th placed Las Palmas team that has defied expectations.
Hard work continues. Game in 2 days 👊 pic.twitter.com/hxOqggrmry— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 15, 2024
Hard work continues. Game in 2 days 👊 pic.twitter.com/hxOqggrmry
Under the guidance of García Pimienta, Las Palmas has turned heads with their dynamic play, proving to be a formidable force despite a preseason outlook that suggested another year of struggle.
Their visit to the Metropolitano represents one of their toughest challenges yet, but their track record this season suggests they could very well cause an upset.
Atletico Madrid's resilience at home is noteworthy, having secured victories in their last three La Liga matches at their fortress.
However, Las Palmas's away form paints a mixed picture, with only two wins in their last six away fixtures across all competitions.
The upcoming match is not only a test for Atletico's title aspirations but also a chance for Las Palmas to solidify their status as this season's dark horse.
The November meeting between these two sides saw Las Palmas take the spoils, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter.
Atletico, however, holds a favorable recent head-to-head record, winning four out of the last six clashes with Las Palmas.
Injury woes continue to plague Atletico, with Alvaro Morata's recent injury sidelining him for about 20 days.
Doubts linger over Jose Maria Gimenez's availability, while Thomas Lemar, Marcos Paulo, and Cesar Azpilicueta remain long-term absentees.
As both teams prepare to battle it out, the match is poised to be a closely fought affair.
Forebet predicts a narrow victory for Atletico Madrid in a contest where both teams are expected to score. This match-up at the Metropolitano is set to be a pivotal moment in Atletico's quest to turn their season around and for Las Palmas to continue their surprising ascent in La Liga.