Atlético back on track after PSV triumph
Atlético Madrid return to La Liga action this Saturday fresh from their dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven in midweek. The Colchoneros host Valencia at the Civitas Metropolitano in what promises to be an intriguing encounter between two sides in contrasting positions.
Diego Simeone's men have been formidable at home this season, accumulating 22 points from a possible 24 in La Liga at the Metropolitano. This remarkable record includes ten consecutive victories across all competitions on home soil. However, their recent away form has been concerning, with defeats to both Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao dropping them to fourth in the table with 31 points.
This match marks the final home fixture of 2025 for Atlético, and Simeone will be keen to send the fans into the winter break on a positive note. The Argentine coach has an impressive record against Valencia, with Atleti winning both fixtures last season by an aggregate score of 6-0. Los Rojiblancos have not lost to Valencia at home since 2011.
Valencia showing signs of life
Valencia arrive in Madrid in better spirits than their 16th-place position might suggest. Carlos Corberán's side are unbeaten in their last five matches, recording one win and four draws during this period. Their current four-game unbeaten run in La Liga demonstrates growing resilience.
However, Valencia's away form remains a significant concern. Los Che have collected just three points from seven away fixtures this season, scoring only four goals on the road. Against Atlético's home dominance, they will need a significant improvement to take anything from this encounter.
Mallorca vs Elche: battle for mid-table stability
Earlier in the day, Real Mallorca welcome newly-promoted Elche to the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix. The hosts sit comfortably in mid-table and will look to continue their solid home form against the Valencian visitors.
Elche, back in the top flight after earning promotion last season, have found life difficult in La Liga. A victory in Mallorca would provide a significant boost to their survival hopes as the season approaches its midway point.
Title race implications
With Barcelona holding a nine-point lead at the top of the table, Atlético cannot afford any slip-ups if they harbour ambitions of a title challenge. Real Madrid, currently dealing with their own issues following consecutive defeats including the 2-1 loss to Manchester City in the Champions League, play away at Alavés on Sunday.
A victory would keep Atlético within touching distance of the top and maintain pressure on both Barcelona and Real Madrid heading into the winter break.
