The Colchoneros were playing on thin ice against Rayo Vallecano last week. They had all the second-stringers on the pitch, conceded one goal and were close to losing 0:2. But at the end, Rayo Vallecano was unable to score again and Atletico Madrid leveled 1:1. Now Diego Simeone must set all the leaders to the starting eleven. This means that Rayo have no chances. They have to score in this game to qualify to 1/4. This will let Atletico play calmly in defence with counter attacks waiting for any mistake to score.
I think that all is for Simeone’s side to win. They are miles better than Rayo and can surely win and concede no goals. They conceded just eight goals in the first half of the championship. This is a second best record in Spanish Primera history. Only Deportivo La Coruna in 1993/94 conceded less (6). And the same number of conceded goals (8) Atletico Madrid had in 1995/96 when they then got the title. This record stays for more than 20 years. Atleti have an excellent defence despite the exit of Miranda. Jimenes who replaced Miranda is playing very solid now.
It’s risky to bet on the win to nil, but we are at lower risk when Atletico Madrid are playing.