Atletico Madrid prepare to welcome Mallorca in an attempt to return to winning ways and close the gap behind the Champions League places, whereas the visitors hope to continue the good run that saw them climb to 8th place in La Liga.
BetUS sportsbook sees Atletico as favourites in this clash, mostly thanks to their superior quality and good home record, but everything suggests los Colchoneros will not have an easy job on Monday night.
Atletico boss Quique Sanchez Flores is in optimistic mood before the must-win game against Mallorca.
“It is an essential match, because, among other things, we must win it to raise all kinds of positive emotions that lead us to that other game on Thursday (Copa del Rey match against Real).
“We are very focused on the Monday’s game. We want to reverse the results above all, and have a good game in order to keep the pursuit of our objective, the Champions League.”
The boss will welcome Tiago Mendes back to the side, but Kun Aguero picked up a muscle injury and he is set to miss out, meaning Diego Forlan and Diego Costa are set to start up front.
Mallorca enter this match tied on points with Atletico following back to back victories over Hercules and Almeria, but Michael Laudrup’s side is hardly worry-free before the trip to Vicente Calderon.
Los Bermellones are not exactly the best travelers in La Liga, having lost 5 out of 8 away games this season, while they were also beaten in last three away games in all competitions.
To add insult to injury, the visitors will have to make do without first team regulars Jose Luis Marti and Ramis, who are both out with injuries.
Mallorca boss Michael Laudrup admits his side will have to rely on counterattacks at Vicente Calderon.
“We are confident, not anxious to get the win because we play a difficult opponent away and they have to go out and win; we are not going to surrender, but we can play more on the counter.”
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