Tag: La Liga

The Europa League remains the best chance for a trophy this season and Atlético travels to Russia in the knockout phase on Thursday.

Lionel Messi hit a 26th-minute free kick and the Barcelona defense held on for a 1-0 win on Saturday. The victory opened up an eight-point gap to Atletico Madrid, all but deciding the title.

Atleti is now just five points back of Barcelona for first. The double game weeks continue as the red and whites must travel to one of the toughest places to play for the biggest match of the season.

The grueling Thursday-Sunday schedule turns the focus right back to La Liga. Atleti return home for a match vs. parent club Athletic Bilbao this weekend. 

After Barcelona's 1-1 draw at Espanyol, Atletico have a chance to make up ground. However, defeating one of La Liga's most surprising and potent offenses will not be easy.

After a disappointing 1-2 loss to Sevilla at home, Atletico need a win in the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.

With Barcelona traveling to surprising seventh-place Real Betis, this weekend could give Atleti a chance to close the gap to first place.

If Atleti can bring the same attacking mentality, they should have no problem defeating Getafe.