Atletico Madrid vs Deportivo La Coruna preview - Oltra eyes Atletico upset

Posted Sunday, December 09, 2012 by PA

Deportivo La Coruna coach Jose Luis Oltra insists he is undaunted by the mighty task facing his side as they bid to break Atletico Madrid's long unbeaten home record at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

Diego Simeone's men have won their last 13 home games in all competitions stretching back to May, a run that has seen them jump to second in the Primera Division behind leaders Barcelona.

In contrast Deportivo sit second from bottom of the table on the back of three straight losses, but Oltra maintains he has a squad capable of kick-starting their search for survival with a shock away win.

Oltra said: "Atletico have taken maximum points at home this season. They have a great coach, a big budget and a strong squad, but we will go there with the confidence that we can deliver.

"I feel fully supported by the club and the fans. I don't feel challenged in my position at all. I have a lot of reasons to be optimistic because I see a calm group of players and the mood is fantastic."

For all Atletico's fine home form they head into the game on a bit of a blip, having been beaten 2-0 at city rivals Real last Saturday, then being knocked off the top of their Europa League group by a midweek defeat in Plzen.

However, having already secured qualification for the knockout stages, Atletico had little to play for in the Czech Republic. Felipe Luis and Cristian Rodriguez, who both missed the game with muscle strains, could return against Deportivo.