| With a top-four finish in LaLiga virtually guaranteed for Atletico Madrid, the stars are being rested in league matches to shine in the cup competitions. While this didn't help in the Copa del Rey final, which the capital club lost to Real Sociedad, Atletico are still very much in contention in the Champions League, so Simeone is unlikely to deviate from his strategy. This, in turn, could benefit Athletic Bilbao, who still have hopes of qualifying for European competition. Since Atletico Madrid have lost their last four league matches two of them against relegation candidates due to the aforementioned circumstances, Bilbao should be able to take some points from this match. The first game between these two this season end with a 1-0 victory to the team from Bilbao. |
