MADRID (AFP) - Atletico Madrid and Sevilla have cut ground on Spain’s traditional giants Real Madrid and Barcelona in recent years, but the tide is turning again.
In 2014 and 2021 Atletico lifted the title, while Sevilla have been in contention too, finishing in the top four in each of the last three campaigns.
However Diego Simeone’s Rojiblancos visit the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan on Saturday looking for a vital win to try and keep a grasp on the league frontrunners’ coattails, while Julen Lopetegui’s side are scrambling for points to move away from the relegation zone. Loftier ambitions will have to wait.
The Andalusians have endured a torrid start to the campaign, with just one win from six games leaving them a point clear of the drop zone and piling pressure on Lopetegui.
On the sidelines of his team’s 1-1 draw with Villarreal before the international break the former Spain and Real Madrid manager paced anxiously, tersely barking instructions as his team almost caved in the final stages.
To make matters worse, Lopetegui will be sweating on the fitness of playmaker Isco and midfield battler Joan Jordan, while Tecatito Corona and Marcao are poised to miss the game.
“There were many changes (in the summer), players who came in late, without a pre-season, these are things that impact performance a lot,” Isco told Muchodeporte.
Visitors Atletico, seventh, arrive with pressure on them to make amends too, following their 2-1 home defeat by rivals Real Madrid in the derby.
That match was stained by racism from some Atletico supporters aimed at Vinicius Junior, leaving the club with work to do both on and off the pitch.
Simeone’s side were also beaten in the Champions League by Bayer Leverkusen and aim to avoid a third consecutive defeat.