Villarreal vs Atletico de Madrid preview - Koke taking it game by game

Posted Sunday, November 10, 2013 by PA

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke insists the side will not let themselves be distracted despite being well-placed on three fronts.

Diego Simeone's side are second in the Primera Division, just one point behind leaders Barcelona and five ahead of neighbours Real, and this week reached the last 16 of the Champions League with two games to spare after a resounding win against Austria Vienna.

On Friday they were then drawn against Sant Andreu in the third round of the Copa del Rey, the trophy they won last season by beating Real in the final.

However, Koke is adamant Atletico will not look beyond their next match, starting on Sunday against Villarreal as they look for their fourth successive win in the Primera Division.

He told reporters: "As the coach (says), we are going to go game by game.

"We have an important game at Villarreal on Sunday , and we must focus on the three points there.

"Right now we are in a spectacular moment , and we must continue like this."

Diego Costa did not train today because of flu but he is fully expected to be fit for the trip to Villarreal.

Villarreal are currently in fourth but they are 10 points behind Atletico after a mixed run of form of two wins and two defeats in their last four games.

For goalkeeper Sergio Asenko there will be mixed emotions given he is on loan from Atletico and he told the club's official website: "You can say it's a special game . I spent four years at Atletico and there I made many lifelong friends. Now I have the opportunity to meet again with them.

"They are having a great season, no wonder, the template was there last season and they have added great players that have adapted very well.

"They transmit a great strength and are a team that is up there on merit and are doing great things .

"But what is important and what I focus on are the three points."