Valencia vs Atl. Madrid Match preview

Spanish Primera Division: Valencia vs Atl. Madrid

Normally this would be a derby of the round, but in a situation where both rivals have achieved their primary goals, they`ll both play purely for prestige. Valencia can be content with their survival assured even though they started the championship aiming for the title. They won Copa del Rey, but played poorly in championship and Champions League. Atletico will take place in Champions League the following season and it`s the best news for their fans.

Winning over established rivals

Ever since he took over the position, coach Salvador Gonzalez Voro managed 3 wins and 1 disastrous defeat in 4 games. The fact remains that he brought along much needed peace and survival. The humiliating defeat to Barcelona at «Camp Noa» didn`t do much damage since the primary target was winning home games to bring survival for the team. The goal was achieved and established by away triumph at Levante`s home soil last week. They`ll remember this season as one of their worst in last 30 years. Ironically, Valencia did win a prestigious title – Copa del Rey; many other teams fail to do so even in their best seasons. Valencia will have to undergo a general make-over: the institutional crisis must be resolved in June, new president of the club must be elected to retain Juan Bautista Soler`s place, many players` contracts are about to expire, some are discontent with their status, the question of the coach has still not been solved…a handful of tasks for the famous team from the Mediteranian coast.

Good atmosphere at «Mestalla»

Atletico secured their place in Champions League after full 11 years, with their win in last round. It`s been properly celebrated and preparations for the next season have already begun. The key players will stay in Atletico and few defense players were announced to join, as well as midfielders and forwards. Lucho Gonzalez from Porto, Diego from Verder, De Michelis and Ze Roberto from Bayern or Negredo and Manu del Moral, the wish-list is long enough and it will all depend on whether Aguirre will keep his position. His contract is with a clause of automatic renewing if the team make it to the Champions League. With this goal achieved, it is to be expected management will be reasonable enough to keep him onboard. It would be really ironic and unfair if the man, under whose lead Atletico achieved their best placement in 12 years, got fired due to few bad games at the very end of championship. Atletico have already had few experiments with coaching, and each ended with bad results.

Betting verdict

Atletico might make it to 3rd place if they win this game, provided Barcelona don`t win in Murcia. It will be difficult to accomplish since Valencia would also like to say farewell to their fans with a good game and a win over Atletico. Over 2.5 goals.

Our tip: Bet 5 on Over 2.5 goals
Odds 1.7 at
Bookmaker: Gamebookers