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Atletico Madrid captain, Koke, shared his ideas on the upcoming match in opposition to Barcelona, which may show essential within the race for the highest of La Liga.
The sport on Saturday is important, because it presents the Rojiblancos with an opportunity to move into the Christmas break as league leaders.
A victory over Barcelona at their residence floor can be a historic achievement for Atletico beneath supervisor Diego Simeone, as they’ve by no means managed to beat the Catalan aspect away earlier than.
Significance of the match
Koke understands the significance of this match. (Picture by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Photos)
Koke highlighted the significance of the match, acknowledging that it might be a troublesome problem. He talked about that Barcelona is a robust crew with top-level gamers, and such encounters are at all times thrilling for everybody concerned.
For Atletico, it isn’t simply one other recreation; it is a chance to show themselves and compete on the highest degree.
“It’s a very totally different match. Barcelona is an opponent with some nice gamers and these are high-level matches that we’re all actually trying ahead to enjoying,” he mentioned as quoted by AS.
Who would be the favorite?
Koke performed down the favouritism half. (Picture by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Photos)
When requested in regards to the potential end result of the sport, Koke acknowledged that each groups are at present in the same place, with equal factors, and that matches like these are sometimes determined by small particulars.
He expressed hope that Atletico would come out on high however emphasised that it may go both method. The captain’s phrases replicate the aggressive nature of the match and the assumption that it will likely be a intently contested affair.
“We’re at present in the identical place, with the identical factors. These are matches that might be determined by small particulars. We are going to see which method it goes, which we hope might be Atleti,” he added.
Lamine Yamal’s absence
Koke additionally touched on the absence of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, a key participant for the crew. Whereas Koke acknowledged that Yamal is without doubt one of the most original abilities in Barcelona’s squad, he admitted that his absence may work in Atletico’s favour.
Lamine Yamal will miss the match resulting from damage. (Picture by Alex Caparros/Getty Photos)
Whereas he would like to face the most effective gamers, Koke understands that the state of affairs presents a chance for Atletico to reap the benefits of Barcelona’s weakened lineup.
“He is without doubt one of the most totally different gamers that Barcelona has and it’s a disgrace since you at all times wish to play in opposition to the most effective. However it’s a level in our favour as a result of if you happen to take away probably the greatest that, in principle, advantages us.”
Atletico’s winless streak
Lastly, Koke expressed his need to interrupt the membership’s winless streak in opposition to Barcelona at their residence floor.
Regardless of the historic problem, he stays hopeful that this Saturday may very well be the day they lastly get the end result they’ve been aiming for.
For Atletico, this match is not only in regards to the three factors but in addition about making a press release of their ongoing quest for La Liga supremacy.
“I’ve by no means overwhelmed Barcelona away from residence and why not this Saturday? We’ve to interrupt the streak and hopefully it may be this Saturday,” he concluded.
