Atletico de Madrid vs Malaga preview - Simeone treating match like final

Posted Friday, November 21, 2014 by PA

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has warned his side there is "no room for error" against an improving Malaga on Saturday,

Malaga won five games in a row before the international break, climbing to sixth in the table only two points behind Atletico in fourth.

"We have no room for error, we must treat the game like a final," Simeone said in his pre-game press conference.

"They have been doing well for a while. We can see their results and we also know they stopped Barcelona playing well (in September). They have a very strong offensive unit, much technical ability and experience on the pitch."

Atletico will be without defender Miranda, who suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty with Brazil. Simeone has tasked Jose Gimenez with the job of replacing him in central defence.

"He has been biding his time since December," Simeone said of Gimenez. "He has had opportunities at the World Cup and for his country. We know he is ready."

Malaga coach Javi Gracia recognises the challenge of playing away to the defending champions, but does not wish to curb the attacking tendencies which have served his team well in recent weeks.

"We want to be an ambitious team, to create as many goal-scoring opportunities as we can while maintaining a strong defence," he said.

"They have a lot of power with set-pieces, they are strong in the air, and have very good strikers upfront. We need to ensure we're prepared and work hard to see if we can beat them at home. Atletico's strength is as a team, above individual skill."