Atletico braced for improved Valencia in bid to top LaLiga – Soccer News

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is not expecting an easy task against Valencia on Saturday, as Los Colchoneros attempt to go top of LaLiga before their rivals play.

With Atletico visiting 18th-placed Valencia before Barcelona go to Las Palmas later on Saturday, a win will take them top, if only for a few hours.

Fellow title contenders Real Madrid then host Girona on Sunday.

Simeone’s team thrashed Valencia, who have managed just five wins all season, 3-0 at the Metropolitano in September, and Los Che are in danger of their first relegation since 1986.

But Simeone told reporters on Friday that Valencia had improved significantly since Carlos Corberan took over as their head coach in December.

“Those who saw Valencia play will interpret that they are different to those of months ago, they have more intensity, a correct tactical behaviour and at home they have a step more with their people supporting them,” Simeone said.

Pushing beyond our limits pic.twitter.com/6myoZDE60p

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 20, 2025

Simeone’s side wasted a golden opportunity to go top of LaLiga last Saturday, being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Celta Vigo after Pablo Barrios’ early red card.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to experience a lot of important games and we’ll take it in our stride, starting with a Valencia team that has improved with the new coach, with a lot of order, and that has made them grow,” Simeone said.

The Argentine also heaped praise upon Frenchman Antoine Griezmann, who has scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 35 games this season, but has gone three matches without a goal involvement.

“He is an extraordinary player, differential, he makes us have a leap in quality. Of course, there are games where he doesn’t do well, like so many other team-mates,” he said.

“It will be up to me to interpret his game management. I have absolute confidence in him.”