It is third versus fourth in La Liga on Sunday as Atletico host Real Sociedad at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium at 17:00 GMT.
Atletico are just a point behind Real Madrid on the table, and with two matches remaining, are in with a chance of finishing ahead of their city rivals this season. However, a win will also secure third-spot by making it beyond the reach of their Sunday opponents Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad have built a five-point lead over fifth-placed Villarreal in the race for a top-four finish. Therefore, a win at Atletico will secure their place in the Champions League next season.
Key Highlights
Atletico’s Pursuit of Second Place Ahead of Real Madrid
Diego Simeone and his Atletico charges have been in good form in the post-World Cup segment of the season. They have climbed up the table to secure a top-four finish and, with it, the Champions League next season.
Atletico even have a chance of leapfrogging their city rivals Real Madrid to second place as they seek to make a good finish to the season and set the stage for next season.
In their last five matches, Atletico have won three, drawn once, and lost once. Their 3-3 draw at Espanyol in midweek allowed Real Madrid to jump to second ahead of the final two matches in the La Liga season.
The clash against Real Sociedad will be the penultimate game of the season and the final home game for Atletico. Diego Simeone will look to get the best result against Sociedad to bolster their chances of finishing second and give the fans a good sendoff at the Metropolitano.
Real Sociedad’s Bid to Secure a Top-Four Finish
Real Sociedad have been in flying form in recent matches in La Liga.
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In their last five outings, Imanol Alguacil and his men have won four times and drawn once. They have picked 13 points out of the available 15. This underscores their positive form, which has seen them on the verge of qualifying for the top four and Champions League football next season.
A win at Atletico on Sunday will confirm their top-four status. Imanol Alguacil will focus on achieving this in their penultimate game, and the last away clash of the season.
Sociedad will also look to demonstrate their form and quality against one of the best teams in recent matches in La Liga. This will be crucial as they look to build on their form this season into the next one.
Injury Report
Atletico
Diego Simeone will be without three players typically in his matchday squad.
Left-back Reinildo Mandava is sidelined with a cruciate ligament rupture. The 29-year-old fullback has been out since February 25, 2023, and has missed 16 matches for Atletico.
Central midfielder Marcos Llorente is also on the sidelines with a muscle injury. The 28-year-old has been out of contention since April 3, 2023, and has missed 9 matches.
Simeone will also be without centre-back Stefan Savic with a fractured toe.
Real Sociedad
Imanol Alguacil will be without centre-forward Umar Sadiq (cruciate ligament rupture), attacking midfielder Brais Mendez (tear in the abductor muscle), and left winger Martin Merquelanz (knee injury).
Possible Lineups
Atletico
I. Grbic; Y. Ferreira Carrasco, M. Hermoso, J. Gimenez, A. Witsel, N. Molina; Saul, Koke, R. De Paul; A. Correa, A. Griezman
Real Sociedad
Alex Remiro; A. Gorosabel, R. Le Normand, J. Pacheco, A. Munoz; M. Zubimendi; T. Kubo, D. Silva, M. Merino, M. Oyarzabal; C. Fernandez
Prediction
Atletico will look to be sharp, proactive, and aggressive in their approach in this match.
Real Sociedad will be solid and proactive in pressing, passing, and attacking.
Atletico will win the match and bolster their chances of finishing in the top two by leapfrogging their city rivals Real Madrid.
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