Atletico Madrid vs Malaga preview - Simeone sulking over lost points

Posted Saturday, May 05, 2012 by PA

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has lamented the four points his side have lost by giving up late goals in the past week but has insisted they are still in the race for a Champions League place.

Simeone's men are five points behind their opponents this weekend with just two games remaining after throwing away leads against Real Betis and Real Sociedad in their last two outings, but the Argentinian has said he will not prioritise next week's Europa League final over their clash with Malaga.

He told the club's website, "We have lost four very important points starting with the Betis game in the 85th minute and the Real in the 92nd. We have lacked a bit of calmness to finish some matches, but we will continue to fight in the last two matches and, evidently, whilst we are note out of anything we will continue to try.

"We need to keep accumulating points not just so we can arrive at the final day with a chance to get into the Champions League but also to distance ourselves from those that have only played in one tournament and are just behind us."

Gabi is suspended for the hosts after being sent-off against Sociedad and he is likely to be replaced by Tiago as the Portuguese international is suspended for Wednesday's Europa League final.

Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini meanwhile is hoping that the extra physical toll put on Atletico's players by playing in Europe will be to his side's advantage.

The Chilean is expected to recall Nacho Monreal, Joaquin and Welington after he left all three on the bench for Wednesday's 4-1 defeat to Barcelona and Isco is also available again after suspension.

He told the club's website: "I can't say what will happen with Atletico, I can only assure that we will go to try and win the game by playing better than they do.

"We have never put in place a firm objective, at the moment we have achieved a Europa League place and now we are looking for the Champions League. The team will arrive mentally in very good shape and physically perfect."