Valencia vs Atletico Madrid preview

April 25, 2012
By: Matthew Clarke

Two added time goals helped Valencia keep their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League final alive, but overturning a two-goal deficit from the first leg should prove to be a tough task with very good Atletico on the other side.

Los Che are slowly reaching the end of an era, with coach Unai Emery set to leave the club at the end of the season after four years in charge.

The talented coach would prefer to say goodbye to the club and fans on the back of a successful season and Europa League success would definitely help him leave on a high.

While the 4-0 victory over Betis helped los Che virtually clinch Champions League qualification, the 4-2 defeat at Vicente Calderon left the team in a very difficult position before the return leg against Atletico.

The hosts, therefore, have no choice but to attack their opponents from the off, but odds of 1.95 (19/20) offered by William Hill on home win suggest that Valencia favourites to go through.

Ever Banega remain sidelined, but Jeremy Mathieu is in contention after recovering from injury. Sergio Canales is expected to keep his place in the side after impressing against Real Betis.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Diego Alves – Costa, Rami, Ruiz, Alba – Parejo, Albelda – Feghouli, Jonas, Canales – Soldado.

Atletico Madrid have been absolutely brilliant ever since Diego Simeone took over the reigns and los Colchoneros are on the road to turn this season into a major success.

Back to back La Liga wins over Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol saw the team return into contention for Champions League places, whereas the 4-2 win over Valencia put them in the driving seat to qualify for the Europa League final.

Radamel Falcao Garcia continued to prove his worth by bagging two goals against los Che and the Colombian are 2.50 (3/2) with BetVictor to score at Mestalla.

Given their impressive showings of late and the quality of the side, los Colchoneros look like hot favourites to go through, with Paddy Power paying 1.33 (1/3) on Atletico to qualify.

Antonio Lopez, Silvio Azevedo, Fran Merida, Paulo Assuncao and Pizzi have not made the squad, but the good thing is none of the players is normally considered a first team regular.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Courtois – Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Filipe Luis – Mario, Gabi – Adrian, Diego, Turan – Falcao.

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