Atletico de Madrid vs Valencia preview - Perez positive for Atletico test
Posted Saturday, March 07, 2015 by PA
Midfielder Enzo Perez believes Valencia have what it takes to overturn top-four rivals Atletico Madrid when the sides meet on Sunday.
The Champions League hopefuls clash at the Vicente Calderon with Atletico holding third place in the Primera Division standings by just a point from Los Che.
But Valencia make the trip boasting a four-match winning streak, and Perez insists they approach the fixture in good heart.
"We have a clear goal collectively, and everyone knows what it is," the Argentina international said.
"We will be looking for the win; it's our mentality and what we have been doing all season.
"We have a tough game, against a great team who are playing in the Champions League and are high up in La Liga and we know that they are the reigning champions and are higher up the table than us.
"We must be smart and do what we have been doing, which is working hard for 90 minutes. This team never relax and we keep a cool head, and that's important in these games."
Atletico are just as clear about the importance of the fixture, having been held to a stalemate by Sevilla last weekend and beaten at Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League prior to that.
Full-back Jesus Gamez said: "We tied against a great team, Sevilla, in a difficult match and it didn't affect our league placing.
"But we know that Valencia are closer to us and it will also be a difficult match.
"But we have the support of our fans and the team are eager.
"We're a team with a very united group, especially with the coach (Diego Simeone), and that feeling is essential."
Simeone could welcome Uruguayan full-back Jose Maria Gimenez back after he rejoined training this week.
Gimenez was injured for the draw against Sevilla but is likely to be declared fit for a place in the matchday squad.
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