Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao preview - Muniain: Teams want to beat us

Posted Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by PA

Iker Muniain believes Athletic Bilbao's recent stellar performances against Manchester United have inspired their opponents in the Primera Division to play better against them in recent weeks.

Marcelo Bielsa's men beat the English champions in both legs of their Europa League last 16 tie but have suffered defeats to Osasuna and Valencia in their last two league games and Muniain thinks those results have had more to do with the performances of the opposition than tiredness on his side's part.

He told Marca: "After beating one of the biggest teams in Europe both Osasuna and Valencia have had more desire to beat us than normal. These two defeats haven't been down to tiredness because you can see we run like dogs."

The Spain international is still confident that Athletic can compete for a place in the Champions League next season.

"The game against Atletico is hugely important as we are playing against a rival and hopefully we can achieve a valuable result. If we can win on Wednesday and then on Sunday against Sporting (Gijon) at San Mames we will be back in the fight for the Champions League."

Bielsa will be sweating on the fitness of star striker Fernando Llorente, who missed the defeat to Valencia at the weekend and is still a doubt with a hip injury. Captain Andoni Iraola is also suspended, but Fernando Amorebieta and Gaizka Toquero return from their bans and should feature.

Atletico meanwhile are still without the services of Brazilian playmaker Diego, but he is hopeful of returning soon and also believes Atleti have a shot at that highly-prized fourth place.

He told the club's website: "I think I am close to returning. It is difficult to say when I am going to be there, I need to wait and see what the doctor says, but the sensations are good and I am desperate to get back.

"I am sure we will have a chance to finish in the Champions League but this isn't the moment to speak about objectives, it is the moment to speak about the next match against Bilbao which will be an important step.

"The Athletic game will be a difficult one against a direct rival. We need to be concentrated to play a great game. Here in the Calderon we are strong and we are going to try and win the three points."

Thiago and Silvio also remain on the sidelines for Atletico, so coach Diego Simeone is expected to name the same side that lost at Mallorca on Sunday.