Atletico on cusp of glory but Real prepared to pounce
Hardly a week has truly gone by this year without Diego Simeone pronouncing his mantra of "one game at the same time" and nowadays it really rings true, with Atletico Madrid one match away from winning La Liga.
If they beat Real Valladolid on Saturday, they'll be crowned champions for the first time since 2014 and handful of could argue given they have been top of the table since December.
But Real Madrid are lurking, only two tips behind, and prepared to dip their throat over the range at the last minute. They have not really led La Liga since October 17.
Real Madrid must win in the home against Villarreal to have any kind of chance however the omens looks good for Zinedine Zidane's side, granted their opponents may not be at complete strength.
Luis Suarez would want to prove a spot by bringing the subject back to Atletico Madrid in his first time with the medial side on the ultimate day of the campaign. PHOTO: TWITTER/REUTERS
A good draw for Atletico may mean the most notable two are tied in points but that could see the trophy returned to True Madrid, who would sneak it upon head-to-head.
In some ways, Atletico might take advantage of the situation being clear. They'll probably have win to case the title and can look for victory right away.
Valladolid may have been relegated already had effects gone against them last weekend but instead they remain fighting to be the one team out of 3 that survives.
Huesca and Elche are the others scrapping to finish 17th, with both of these two points before Valladolid, the trio sandwiched between already-relegated Eibar and Getafe, who are safe and sound.
This means only a get gives Valladolid hope, a situation that could take up into Atletico's hands if it encourages their opponents to attack, opening the spaces which were denied by the defensive way of Osasuna, who so practically spoiled Atletico's chances previous weekend.
Luis Suarez's 88th-minute winner, which completed a stunning turnaround after Renan Lodi equalised only six moments before, had the feeling of a pivotal moment, a dramatic twist to prove decisive in who harnesses the prize.
Yet Real Madrid's priority about Sunday was survival plus they defeat Athletic Bilbao in San Mames to take Atletico to the previous day, when the strain will be at its highest.
Simeone admitted "nervousness exists" among his players but in 10 years in control he features tried to expunge the fatalist tendencies that haunted the golf club for so long.
Legitimate Madrid have benefitted before, when Atletico conceded on the 93rd minute on the 2014 Champions League final in Lisbon and lost in extra-time. Atletico proceeded to go close in the 2016 last in Milan too, and then be beaten by True Madrid on penalties.
Now Simeone's workforce are within touching distance again, the difference this time around that Real Madrid haven't any control, their personal success now based on what happens at the Jose Zorrilla stadium, 200 kilometres aside.
Win or lose, it may be Zidane's final video game in charge and there are serious doubts around the continuing future of Ronald Koeman aswell, ahead of Barcelona's last meet against Eibar.
