Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico de Madrid preview - Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid

Posted Saturday, December 20, 2014 by PA

Atletico Madrid travel to Athletic Bilbao this weekend looking for a winning end to what was a spectacular year.

Los Rojiblancos have enjoyed a fine 2014, securing their first Primera Division title since 1996 and reaching the Champions League final.

Things have continued well this term and they head to San Mames third in the standings, leaving manager Diego Simeone to reflect on a fantastic 12 months.

"The year has provided us with wonderful feelings," the former Argentina international said.

"We have only lost one match at the Calderon and that speaks highly of the work done by the players.

"I hope that we can start the coming year in the same way."

Simeone will, though, want an improved performance to that shown against third-tier Hospitalet in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.

Atletico progressed 5-2 on aggregate to set up a clash with Real Madrid, but were unconvincing in a 2-2 draw in the second leg.

Mario Mandzukic, like so many times already this season, led from the front, scoring a brace to take his tally to 14 goals since his summer arrival.

"He has scored very important goals like the one from the Super Cup against Real Madrid and he has very positive numbers for a striker," Simeone said.

"Let's hope that he keeps responding like this, and better."

Athletic Bilbao also head into this match buoyed by progress in the Copa del Rey, if not by a fantastic performance.

Borja Viguera's goal saw off Alcoyano in the second leg 1-0, making it 2-1 on aggregate, much to the relief of head coach Ernesto Valverde.

"We've been pretty sluggish in attack," he said.

"They were tight the back and it was difficult to get through their lines."