Having lost last weekend, and effectively lost the title, Atletico Madrid now only care about getting through the game against Celta Vigo without any physical issues. Celta are already in Europe but will still be motivated enough here to ensure they are not overtaken by Bilbao, which would force them into less holidays and playing a preliminary Europa League round.
It’s not like Simeone will play to lose, but the different focus was already visible last week when they were still in the race for the title, so imagine now. Expect the hosts to rest several of their key players here.
All in all Celta have lost only one of their last nine games, currently the second best record in La Liga after Real Madrid! Under normal circumstances you’d always fancy Atleti to get the favourable result at home, against anyone, but under today’s circumstances it could be harder than usual. Even at less than full strength Atleti will be hard to beat, but at the same time they aren’t likely to offer much of an attacking threat. I think a boring, low scoring game is in store. The bet to be on, at odds of 3.50, is a draw.