On Sunday afternoon, Atletico Madrid and Real Betis clash at the Civitas Metropolitano in a game that could significantly affect the European spots in La Liga.
Atletico low after Copa eliminationOn Thursday night, Los Colchoneros suffered a 3-0 defeat at Athletic Club to exit the Copa del Rey at the semi-finals stage.
The defeat means that Atletico have now won just one of their last seven games in all competitions, including losing four of their previous six matches.
A run of just one win in their last four La Liga games has also hampered their top-four bid.
Diego Simeone’s team is currently in fourth place in the table, but they are just three points clear of fifth-place Athletic Club.
Despite their poor recent general form, Atletico are still formidable on home soil, as they are unbeaten in 24 home matches in La Liga, having recorded 22 wins and two draws.
Atletico has also scored at least two goals in five of their previous six home Liga matches.
Back to winning ways against Athletic ClubManuel Pellegrini’s team ended a short winless run of three games in all competitions by recording a 3-1 home win over Athletic Club.
The victory means that Betis are unbeaten in their last six matches in the Spanish top-flight.
The game ended a run of low-scoring games for the visitors, as their previous four La Liga matches had all produced under 2.5 goals.
Betis’ recent decent form in La Liga has moved them up to sixth place, the last European spot in the Spanish top flight.
Los Verdiblancos have won their last two away games in La Liga. However, the wins are the only victories on their travels in 11 games in the Spanish top flight.
What am I backing?Despite Atletico’s recent poor general form, they are excellent at the Metropolitano, which is why I am backing Simeone’s team to record a relatively narrow victory in this clash.
