Deportivo Alavés - Atlético de Madrid Only 7 games left

 Atlético Madrid suffered another setback in their Champions League campaign on Tuesday night, losing to Borussia Dortmund 😔. This defeat means that Atlético's chance of Champions League glory this season has come to an end, with only seven games remaining in the 2023/24 season 😢.

However, the team is still in the race for a top-four finish in LALIGA, which they have achieved for the past 11 seasons 🏆. If Diego Simeone can lead his team to victory in Vitoria, they can go six points clear of Athletic Club, who are currently in fifth place 🤞.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Simeone emphasized the importance of staying calm and focused. He acknowledged that mistakes were made in the team's recent defeat, but he emphasized the need to concentrate on the remaining league games and work on improving 💪.

The final match of the season against Alavés (8-8-15, 32 points) is a chance for Simeone to watch Samu Omorodion before the summer break. Samu, who turns 20 years old in two weeks, has scored nine goals in 1,829 minutes this season, playing for both Granada and Alavés. He has shown great potential and there is talk that he could replace Ángel Correa or Memphis Depay next season. However, Simeone did not discuss Samu's future in the press conference on Saturday. The latest speculation suggests that the striker may be loaned out again in 2024/25. Simeone acknowledged that Alavés will play with intensity and that they are a strong team. He expects a tough match.

Álvaro Morata was not part of Simeone's squad on Saturday night due to illness. Therefore, Ángel Correa and Antoine Griezmann will be the starting forwards at Mendizorrotza. Griezmann, Koke, Josema Giménez, and Nahuel Molina are all one yellow card away from suspension ahead of next weekend's crucial game against Athletic at the Cívitas Metropolitano. Simeone expressed confidence in Nahuel Molina, who has been out of form for several months and struggled in defense on Tuesday night.

According to Simeone, Molina is a vital player who has some areas to improve, like all players. He covers a lot of ground, contributes to the attack, works hard, and scores goals. Simeone loves him and considers him a hard worker.