(Football news) Atletico Madrid got knocked out of the Copa Del Rey quarter finals by arch rivals Real Madrid. Since then the Rojiblancos have had only the La Liga to focus on as they finished rock bottom of the Champions League group. Atletico Madrid have recovered well as they have won 7 and drawn 2 of their last 9 games. Diego Simeone’s men are currently comfortably in the 3rd spot as they take on Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de Vallecas. Rayo on the other hand are 8th on the table but are winless in their last 7 games.

Atletico Madrid will be without Memphis Depay, Reinildo and Sergio Reguilon who are yet to recover from their respective injuries. Diego Simeone is expected to line-up in a 3-5-2 once again with Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata up front. Griezmann’s return to form is one of the prominent reasons why Atletico Madrid have been so consistent in 2023. The defence has also been pretty solid as the Rojiblancos has conceded only 8 goals this year. There were doubts about Diego Simeone’s future after a torrid first half of the season but now he looks all set to continue next season.

Rayo Vallecano desperately need a win and they have a full squad available to do so. Rayo are well on course to finish in the top half of La Liga for the first time since 2013. Recent dip in form has allowed other teams to get close to them but a win over Atletico Madrid will give them 3 big points and it will also be a massive confidence booster. The first thing they will have to do is defend well for which Antoine Griezmann needs to be taken care off. Atlético will not concede easily but once get desperate to score then it will be easier for to break them apart.

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