La Liga: Final Champions League Spots Up For Grabs in the Capital

Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla FC

There’s a La Liga match between third versus fourth on Sunday evening and that will usually mean La Liga 2022 highlights.

As it stands with two games remaining, I’d be staggered if both these clubs aren’t competing in next season’s Champions League.

Atletico have already sealed their place, while Sevilla need a point from their remaining two matches which means they may well have secured their place by 9pm on Sunday.

Third place is up for grabs too which Atletico can seal with victory so both have something to play for.

Talking Points

Make no mistake, Atletico will be disappointed when they reflect on 2021/22.

Despite strengthening the squad, their title defence was all but over by the halfway point of the campaign and their frustrations have been best highlighted by their two most famous players.

Luis Suarez, seen as a catalyst in last year’s triumph, has been virtually anonymous, while Antoine Griezmann’s return has not had the anticipated effect with just three La Liga goals to his name so far.

The French international opted to return to Atletico on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona at the start of the season after growing disillusioned at the Camp Nou.

Indeed, the 31 year-old faces a crucial decision over his future in the coming weeks but is clear on staying in the Spanish capital.

Although it looked far from certain right up until recently, Atletico have now qualified for the Champions League for the 10^th year in a row, an achievement boss Diego Simeone is pleased with.

Simeone’s team have impressed at Wanda Metropolitano this season, picking up 40 points from their 18 matches, but they will be welcoming a Sevilla side that have lost just three times on their travels in the league this term.

Sevilla, meanwhile, missed the chance to secure their spot in the top four by playing out a 0-0 with battling Mallorca on Tuesday night which made it three draws in a row for Julen Lopetegui’s side.

Los Nervionenses are five points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis with two games left, and a point in this match would be enough to secure a top-four spot as they have a superior head-to-head record over their rivals.

For the hosts, Thomas Lemar and João Félix remain injured and Sime Vrsaljko is also a doubt, but Marcos Llorente will be back after suspension.

Anthony Martial came off the bench on Wednesday night after over a month out due to injury.

The on-loan Frenchman potentially could lead the line for goal-shy Sevilla for whom Karim Rekik, Fernando, and Suso remain on the sidelines.

History

It’s 2008 since Sevilla won at Atletico in La Liga.

They have twice managed victories on Los Rojiblancos turf since though, on both occasions in the Copa del Rey.

The corresponding fixture last term was won by Atletico, thanks to goals from Angel Correa and Saul Niguez.

That was preceded by four straight draws.

Sevilla won the return fixture last April in what appeared at the time would be a damaging defeat as Marcos Acuna scored the only goal.

Atletico would go onto win the title, of course, but they have since been dethroned by Real Madrid.

One of the games when it became clear they were unlikely to retain the title came just before Christmas when Lucas Ocampos grabbed the winner in the closing moments for what turned out to be one of their highlights of the campaign.

Betting Tip

With home advantage, the SBOTOP La Liga 2022 betting odds favour Atletico. You can back them 1X2 @ 2.31 or Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.31.

Likewise, Sevilla are on offer @ 1X2 @ 3.20 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.00 and 0.00 @ 2.51.

The 1X2 draw will pay out @ 3.10 which I have strongly considered, especially given the fact there is only a point between the two teams.

Another 2-1 Sevilla success is available @ 13.00 with Correct Score, while if Atletico repeat their 2-0 victory from last term, you stand to earn with odds of @ 9.75.

For goals, the options include total goal 0-1 @ 2.51, 2-3 @ 1.93 and 4-6 @ 5.00 but my tip is Over 2.50 goals @ 2.38.

 

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