Levante vs Atletico de Madrid - Simeone calls for focus ahead of Levante game

Posted Sunday, May 08, 2016 by PA

Diego Simeone has called for focus as Atletico Madrid look to take advantage on any slip-ups from title challengers Barcelona and Real Madrid when they travel to Levante on Sunday.

With just two games remaining, Atleti and Barca are locked on 85 points at the top of the Primera Division, with the Madrid side only behind on goal difference while their city rivals sit a point behind in third position.

The Argentinian coach, who guided Atleti to their first league title in 2014 since he won it as a player in 1996, expects this team to concentrate solely on Levante and not be distracted by the Champions League final later in the month.

He told the media: "We must think about the next match, but focussing on today we cannot stray from this. The enthusiasm, excitement and perseverance in the pursuit of having options in the last round are untouched.

"We just have to take it game by game, our opponents in the next two matches will fight hard and we have to concentrate on beating them. Even if our rivals drop points, we still have to win and get the six points available."

Despite playing bottom-placed Levante, Simeone is still expecting a difficult match for his side.

"I imagine a competitive team with athletes - competing against an important rival such as Atletico Madrid. (Levante) will be hurt by this situation and with guys who will try to play a good match to leave a good image in their last match at home in the first division.

"It's a challenge and a new opportunity the one we have tomorrow, to try to do it well and do our part so that things go well."

Tiago has travelled with the squad to the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia for the visitors and could play for the first time in over five months after recovering from a broken leg.

Levante coach Rubi has ensured that his relegated side will continue to fight until the end of the season for the fans despite a disappointing season.

He told footbal-espana.net: "On Sunday we will compete well, our obligation is to be at our highest possible level. The first thing to do is to think about our fans, who have had very little joy this season and deserve to end with some, though nothing will compensate for going down.

"What should be clear to Barcelona and Real Madrid is that we will compete to our maximum, we don't need anything like that."

Levante have only lost two of their last nine home games, the defeats coming against Barcelona and Real Madrid, providing a testing trip for the Champions League finalists in their quest for Primera Division success.