Real Mallorca vs Atletico Madrid preview - Flores aims to finish on a high

Posted Saturday, May 21, 2011 by PA

Neither Real Mallorca nor Atletico Madrid can afford to ease up heading into the final game of the season at the Iberostar Stadium with both clubs still fighting for different objectives at either end of the table.

Hosts Mallorca, who finished fifth last season, are currently just two points above the relegation zone and they know if results go against them on Saturday they could be playing Segunda Division football next term for the first time since 1997.

The situation is less dramatic at Atletico, who are already guaranteed a top-seven finish and a place in next season`s Europa League, but they are eager to finish in the top six and avoid having to play in the European qualifying rounds in mid-July.

Mallorca captain Jose Luis Marti, whose side need just a point to be safe, said: "We must only think about going out for the win, especially at our ground.

"As the game progresses and we know what is happening at other grounds we will see if a draw would be good enough, but we have the advantage that we depend on ourselves."

For Atletico, the match marks the end of Quique Sanchez Flores' reign in the Rojiblancos hot-seat, and the former Valencia and Benfica boss will be looking to bid farewell by leaving the club in either fifth or sixth place.

Atletico are currently seventh, but level on 55 points points with two teams immediately above them, Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao.

He said: "If we finish fifth, great, and if it`s sixth, that`s better than seventh. It`s important for the club and we know that.

"It`s important for the prestige of the club not to be in the Europa League qualifying round," added Sanchez Flores, who led Atletico to the Europa League title last season.

"As such, we will do everything possible against an opponent who are going to make things very difficult for us.

"Mallorca are going to fill their ground because they are playing for survival and we are obliged to be at our best."