Almeria vs Valencia preview - Fuego convinced of top-four finish
Posted Friday, May 22, 2015 by PA
Valencia captain Javi Fuego is convinced they will be celebrating a Champions League berth come full-time against Almeria on Saturday, despite admitting his side may have been hit by nerves in their last match.
Los Che go into their season-finale sitting in fourth place but, after drawing three of their last four games, they are only one point ahead of Europa League finalists Sevilla, who go to Malaga in their last match.
Valencia could have guaranteed themselves a top-four finish last Sunday, but were held 1-1 at home by Celta Vigo in a match where they needed an equaliser 19 minutes from time just to get a point.
That was a setback for Valencia, but Fuego is confident they will finish the job this weekend.
He said: "We're well aware of what we've been working for all season and we know that we now have a key, definitive game to achieve our objective.
"We're calm, we know exactly what we have to do and we've prepared for the game against Almeria in the same way we have throughout the season.
"It's important is that we depend on ourselves and I think it's a good situation for us. We know it's a vital game and, personally, I'm confident things are going to turn out well. I'm convinced."
Regarding last week's match, the 31-year-old midfielder said: "Maybe there was something of an excess of anxiety, but in the end if we had been a bit more clinical in attack, I think we could have got the victory.
"It's clear that we drew a game where a victory could have meant a Champions League place, but I don't think it's too drastic."
Second-bottom Almeria are unlikely to be pushovers, though, as they are still fighting for their Primera Division lives.
They have 32 points and are two adrift of Granada and Deportivo La Coruna in 16th and 17th, with all three clubs facing hard matches this weekend.
Depor go to champions Barcelona while Granada host Atletico Madrid and Almeria midfielder Javier Espinosa hopes that will play into his side's hands.
He told a press conference: "We're looking forward to playing this final game; the team is relaxed and confident of winning.
"Our direct rivals are facing difficult teams. If we beat Valencia we will have a good chance."
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