Atletico de Madrid vs Real Sociedad preview - Falcao defiant on Champions League hopes

Posted Wednesday, May 02, 2012 by PA

Radamel Falcao has insisted that Atletico Madrid can still qualify for next season's Champions League despite falling six points behind the top four after a 2-2 draw with Real Betis on Sunday.

The Colombian scored in the last minute of that game to take his tally for the season to 33 and he does not think the time is right to sacrifice the end of their league season in order to concentrate on next Wednesday's Europa League final with Athletic Bilbao.

He told AS: "The players of Atletico don't settle, they won't give up either one of these two championships. We have a lot of ambition and we have the opportunity to end the season well. In the league we are still alive and we are depending on what we do ourselves."

Arda Turan and Miranda are expected to return after being rested from the start against Betis and there may even be a place for Koke as he came on to score the opener at the Benito Villamarmn.

Real Sociedad have by contrast already achieved their major goal this season as they mathematically sealed survival with a 3-0 win over Racing Santander and manager Philippe Montanier is now aiming for their best finish since finishing second in 2003.

The Frenchman told a press conference broadcast on the club's website: "The first objective was survival and the second is to achieve our best record in the last nine seasons. Although we have three games against three great opponents and two are away from home, we are going to do everything we can to achieve this goal.

"A team that is going to play a Europa League final and possibly win it is a team of a high level. Atleti have very good players like Diego, Falcao and Adrian and they are a team that plays with great intensity in both defence and attack. For us it is a good test."

Vadim Demidov is available again after suspension for the Basques and David Zurutuza is also expected to be recalled to partner the in-form trio of Carlos Vela, Antoine Griezmann and Xabi Prieto in attack.