What: Spanish La Liga
Who: Valencia vs Atletico Madrid
When: Saturday 10th September, 2011, at 21:00 UK time
Where: Mestalla, Valencia, Spain
More of the Same
A fortnight ago, Valencia started their 2011/12 domestic campaign on a high note, coming back from behind to secure a valuable win on home soil at the Mestalla against Racing Santander. Two weeks later, the same venue will now play host to Atletico Madrid, a team that appears serious in their attempt to knock Los Che off their perch as Spain’s third best club.
Well aware of the problems that Atletico Madrid could pose when the two meet, striker Roberto Soldado conceded that great defensive errors could have cost his side the game against Racing Santander. This is a scenario he will be eager to avoid against the Mattress Makers, admitting that new signings Victor Ruiz and Antonio Barragan will greatly aid the backline: “The additions are to improve, to strengthen the competitiveness. That is what we must do better. After the game against Racing we saw our mistakes and we have to defend well, starting from the strikers."
The loss of Juan Mata appears to have had no effect – until now – on the team’s ability to produce the goods. As superstars have come and gone at the club, results seem to have remained the same. With a new breed of players such as Pablo Hernandez leading a new pack, Valencia are not conceding their spot just yet.
Life after Kun
With Sergio Aguero already a fan-favourite at Manchester City, Atletico supporters have turned towards last season’s Europa League star Radamel Falcao as the team’s new mascot. While the former FC Porto star missed the season’s opening game against Osasuna, he will be involved as his team prepares to travel east to Valencia.
The sale of Aguero allowed Atletico Madrid’s hierarchy to embark on a spending spree, landing the likes of Diego, Arda Turan and Pizzi, from Wolfsburg, Galatasaray and Braga respectively, signings that former player Diego Simeone praised and predicted to be a success should they be given time: “In principle all are good reinforcements. We know what kind of players Diego and Turan are. Like any new players, they need time to make a connection [with the rest of the team]”, said the former Argentina international.
Never written off, the 2010 Europa League winners have proven to be one of Spain’s toughest sides in recent years. With the team under the new management of Gregorio Manzano, hope can be drawn from this rejuvenated Atletico Madrid side.
Recent form
Valencia:
Liverpool 2-0 Valencia (06/08; Friendly)
Valencia 3-0 Roma (12/08; Friendly)
Valencia 4-3 Racing Santander (27/08; La Liga)
Atletico Madrid:
Atletico Madrid 2-0 Vitoria Guimaraes (18/08; Europa League)
Vitoria Guimaraes 0-4 Atletico Madrid (25/08; Europa League)
Atletico Madrid 0-0 Osasuna (28/08; La Liga)
Players to watch
Valencia – Roberto Soldado: The former Real Madrid striker confirmed himself two weeks ago as Valencia’s new “leader” with a hat-trick on the opening matchday. A tough forward to handle on his day, Soldado can make it a difficult night for the Atletico defence.
Atletico Madrid – Radamel Falcao: The battle of the strikers will surely be one of the jousts on the evening. Falcao will be hopeful of taking the next step in his professional career with Atletico Madrid, and should Valencia succumb to him, then there is every chance that his Spanish maiden season could be a successful one.
Match Prediction
At this stage of the season, an assessment of both teams remains premature. Valencia and Atletico are blessed with a very good attacking line, one that could make goals a foregone conclusion for this match. Atletico are likely to freshen up following their disappointing goalless draw against Osasuna, but they will just have to settle for a score draw. Valencia 2-2 Atletico Madrid.
Who will come out on top in this La Liga clash between Valencia and Atletico Madrid? Check out OLBG.com where you can put your knowledge to use, find the best bookmakers and see the latest betting odds.
