Atl. Madrid – Mallorca : Preview & Prediction
For the sixteenth consecutive visit as coach to the Camp Nou, Diego Simeone failed to win at the helm of Atlético de Madrid at the azulgrana’s home ground (Barcelona 1-0 ATM), but the colchonero team maintains a huge margin of 12 points over the fifth position thanks to the defeats suffered by Betis and Villarreal. Things would have to be very bad for Los Rojiblancos in the final eight matchdays not to reach the group stage of the Champions League for the eleventh consecutive season under Simeone’s command.
After losing 1-0 in their two clashes against Barcelona in LaLiga Santander (LL) this season, Atleti will be looking to avoid another defeat against RCD Mallorca, the only other club that has been able to beat the Colchoneros in LL since November (RCDM 1-0 ATM, Matchday 14). With an almost unblemished record in their last seven league matches at the Metropolitano (G6, E1), the red-and-whites are clear favorites in a duel with the peace of mind of knowing that they are not in danger of dropping to fifth place, as happened to them after losing to the Balearic team in the first round.
Up to tenth position after the 30th matchday, Mallorca heads into the visit to the Metropolitano having won in LL for the first time since they hosted Atleti. The Vermellon side has re-engaged in the fight to qualify for European competitions, being at the start of this matchday six points behind seventh place, which would allow them to qualify for the Europa Conference League playoff if Real Madrid wins the Copa del Rey.
Although Mallorca’s two wins were against teams in the lower half of the table (Celta de Vigo 0-1 RCDM and RCDM 3-1 Getafe), their importance cannot be underestimated, especially the victory at Balaídos. With the three points at the Celeste stadium, Mallorca ended a disastrous run of seven games without a win in LL (E1, P6). Boosted in morale, Javier Aguirre’s side will be looking to repeat on Wednesday the consecutive away wins over Valencia and Villarreal in the first round.
Players to watch: After his brace against Almeria in Round 29, Antoine Griezmann will be looking to score in an Atletico Madrid home win for the sixth time in 2023. Vedat Muriqi has not scored in two starts, but his goal gave Mallorca all three points against Atleti in November; the Kosovar striker has scored in five league wins for the Balearic club this season.
Key stat: Only two of Atleti’s last 12 LL games have featured a two-goal or better goal difference.
Atl. Madrid – Mallorca : Betting Tips
Atl. Madrid – Win Odds: 1.40
