Granada CF vs Atletico de Madrid preview - Tiago urges Atleti to clinch third

Posted Friday, May 22, 2015 by PA

Tiago has told his Atletico Madrid team-mates it is "crucial" they claim the point they need at Granada to guarantee a third-placed finish in La Liga.

Atletico lead Valencia by three points going into the final match of the campaign and Tiago warned his team-mates there can be no let-up as they look to seal qualification for the Champions League group stage and avoid a play-off.

"It's hard to think that a match can define a season, but it's true that this point is very important to us," the Portuguese midfielder said on the club website.

"Being third is not the same as being fourth and we are aware that it's going to be very difficult, that we're going to play a very complicated match against an opponent that also need the points. It's crucial for us to finish third."

The hosts' need is more important than Atletico's as they look to avoid the drop.

While Atletico are without a win in their last three games, three straight victories have lifted Granada out of the relegation zone, although they are still only two points ahead of third-bottom Eibar.

After a run of two league wins since September 20, Granada have taken nine points this month to put survival within reach.

Their recent record is the second best in the league behind champions Barcelona and coach Jose Ramon Sandoval wants them to finish the job.

"It is important to read the game well and that will help us to achieve the objective," he was quoted as saying by AS.