Atletico Madrid Eyes Recovery Against Alaves in Upcoming La Liga Clash

Key Takeaways:

• Atletico Madrid aims to overcome their Champions League defeat by securing a win against Alaves.
• Alaves, fighting for La Liga stability, faces a tough challenge against fourth-placed Atletico.
• Despite away game struggles, Atletico's solid home performance could be key in their top-four finish quest.

After the sting of a Champions League quarter-final exit, Atletico Madrid is set to refocus on their La Liga ambitions, facing Alaves away this Sunday. Diego Simeone's squad, placed fourth, seeks to fortify their position for next season's Champions League berth, standing just four points clear of fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao. On the other hand, Alaves, positioned 14th, is striving to distance themselves further from the relegation fray.

Despite Alaves' struggle for consistency, their current standing is a testament to their resilience in what was anticipated as a season geared towards stability post their Segunda Division playoff success. However, their recent form—winning only once in their last nine—presents a concern, especially against an Atletico team eager to bounce back.

Atletico's recent European disappointment—a 5-4 aggregate loss to Borussia Dortmund—adds a layer of urgency to their La Liga campaign. With their eyes set on a top-four finish, every match, including the upcoming encounter against Alaves, becomes crucial. The stark contrast between Atletico's formidable home record and their less impressive away performance adds an intriguing dimension to this matchup.

Injury woes and suspension play their part in pre-match speculations, with both teams missing key players. Alaves might be without Adrian Rodriguez and Aleksandar Sedlar, while Atletico will miss the services of Memphis Depay, Marcos Paulo, Thomas Lemar, and the suspended Marcos Llorente. These absences could lead to strategic adjustments, possibly seeing Angel Correa and Pablo Barrios earning starts for Atletico.

Historically, Atletico has dominated recent La Liga encounters against Alaves, but the memory of a 1-0 defeat in the 2021-22 season serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. With both teams having much to play for, this match promises to be more than just a routine La Liga fixture.

Alaves, benefiting from rest, faces an Atletico side potentially fatigued from their midweek European exertions. Yet, the stakes and the desire to secure a Champions League spot for another season might just fuel Atletico Madrid to overcome any physical or psychological barriers and claim those vital three points.

(First reported by: La Liga Analysis, 2023)