Atletico Madrid are getting to the end of the road after an outstanding 2020-2021 campaign. With the La Liga title on the line, they'll make the trip to Valladolid hoping to finish the season with the highly desired trophy in their hands.
Diego Simeone has led his boys to another fantastic journey as his team ruled the standings throughout the entire term, resisting the pressure from Barcelona and Real Madrid until the final week. With the Blaugranas no longer alive in the title race, this weekend the two sides from Spain's capital city will hog the spotlight in the league decider round.
The Colchoneros are currently holding the first seed, two points clear of the Merengues. They depend on themselves to become champions, so they'll show up at Estadio Jose Zorrilla looking for nothing more than the three points.
How Atletico Madrid may line up against Valladolid
The upcoming game will be the most important one in Atletico Madrid's season. Regardless of their previous performances and how awesome they have been so far, the whole campaign might be reduced to this clash. Under Simeone, the Colchoneros became competitive again, but they came up short more than once.
The Argentine manager has always a winning mentality and won't satisfy with getting his team to fight at the top. He seeks this title just as much as any Atleti fan, and this is a great shot for the club to finally lift a major title after a while. For this crucial match, the only two who won't be eligible are Stefan Savic and Thomas Lemar. Asides from them, El Cholo will have a wide number of players ready to go out and search for the major prize.
Meanwhile, the hosts will be also facing a crucial match that may define their season. Valladolid are fighting for survival and need a win for not losing hope. To stay in the first division, Sergio González's side would have to pick up the three points and hope that Huesca and Elche lose their games. It doesn't look easy, but it will be their last chance to accomplish their goal. This is how both teams would line up in a crucial game for their aspirations:
Real Valladolid lineup: Jordi Masip; Saidy Janko, Jawad El Yamiq, Joaquín Fernández, Lucas Olaza; Fede San Emeterio, Roque Mesa, Míchel Herrero; Jota, Óscar Plano, Shon Weissman.
Atlético de Madrid lineup: Jan Oblak; Kieran Trippier, José Giménez, Felipe, Mario Hermoso, Yannick Carrasco; Koke Resurrección, Marcos Llorente, Saúl Ñíguez; Ángel Correa, Luis Suárez.
