Football NewsDiego Simeone reveals that Atletico Madrid will “give their lives” to be crowned La Liga champions
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Atleti, who have led the top-flight for most of the 2020-21 campaign, head into the final match against Real Valladolid by two points ahead of Zinedine Zidane’s cross-city rivals current holders.

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Atletico will give their lives

Diego Simeone reveals that Atletico Madrid will “give their lives” to be crowned La Liga champions this weekend as the title heat goes down to the wire with Real Madrid. Atleti, who have led the top-flight for most of the 2020-21 campaign, head into the final match against Real Valladolid by two points ahead of Zinedine Zidane’s cross-city rivals current holders. However, owing to Los Blancos’ excellent H2H record, any tie at the summit would see the Rojiblancos let the trophy slip through their fingers, while Sergio’s hosts at Estadio Jose Zorrilla are fighting for their survival against relegation – and Simeone fully expects both clubs to commit to a metaphorical meeting life-or-death encounter.

Winning against Valladolid is the only surefire way to ensure a title

“It is a final where two teams are fighting for different goals,” the Argentine said in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match. “Both will give their lives to achieve those objectives. As we have been throughout the campaign, we will be immersed in solving our game. We will try to take it where we can harm them. It was a very long season in which we all went through many situations. However, it is La Liga, and we find ourselves fighting for the title.” As Simeone looks to secure the second domestic league crown of his tenure at Wanda Metropolitano, he will know that winning against Valladolid is the only surefire way to ensure a sophomore title. Real Madrid, who will play Europa League-pursuing Villarreal, face their tough test, but a victory for Zidane’s men would be their only way to stay in with a shout.

If Los Blancos wins, then no other result but victory will award Atletico the title – a defeat would mean Madrid pip them by a point. At the same time, a draw will still see the title go to Santiago Bernabeu, as they have a worse H2H record with their rivals, have lost their first meeting in December, with the spoils shared in the reverse.