Atletico de Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao preview - Simeone wary of Athletic threat

Posted Saturday, November 02, 2013 by PA

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone believes Sunday's opponents Athletic Bilbao will be one of the toughest teams his side will face all season.

The Basques are fifth in the Primera Division table and one point behind the final Champions League spot currently occupied by Villarreal.

Simeone's side, meanwhile, are second in the table and have won every game at home.

They overcame a tough test at Granada during the week, coming away 2-1 winners, but both of their goals were penalties.

Simeone told a press conference: "We're up against tough opponents, who have great players and a great coach. It's going to be a game that, after the exhaustion of the game with Granada, will require a lot of effort and the team that has more legs in it and prepares better tactically will have the upper hand.

"We hope we'll be up to the task in a game that is going to demand a bigger effort than we are used to because the opponents are going to create a lot of complications for us."

He also called on the fans inside the Vicente Calderon to make home advantage count.

"Sunday is a tough test and we need the support of the fans and the strength of the crowd," he said.

"Athletic are a very competitive team and as they don't play European competitions it means they can work harder, although this week they have played the same amount of games as us."

Creative midfielder Arda Turan is Atleti's only doubt after forward Leo Baptistao recovered from an ankle problem.

On Thursday Athletic came from two goals down at home to Elche to draw 2-2, but full-back Mikel Baleniaga explained the team were not entirely satisfied.

He told a press conference: "Elche surprised us in the first half and we couldn't get towards their area, we were sluggish.

"I don't know if we are happy with the result, because in the end we had chances to win the game, but the important thing is we didn't lose. Considering how the game went, the point is positive."

While he acknowledged Atleti's strengths, he insisted his side would not play with any fear.

Baleniaga said: "We know how good Atletico are and that it's very difficult to come up against them at their place. But we have to go there as if it were any other game, play to our strengths and go toe-to-toe with them."

With the exception of striker Kike Sola, Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde has a fully-fit squad to choose from.