Atletico Madrid mentor Diego Simeone has recognized that a widespread Sevilla will make it troublesome for his club to secure a main three finish in La Liga, something they have done in the last four seasons.
Genuine Madrid best the standings with Sevilla a point behind and champions Barcelona two untied of the leaders.
Atletico are fourth, trailing Barca by six points and in peril of missing out on direct capability for the Champions League.
“We are six points behind third spot after an inconsistent first half of the season,” Simeone told reporters on Monday.
“Sevilla have a big advantage for getting into the Champions League.”
A fourth-put finish would mean a Champions League qualifying tie for Atletico however even that is not sure as Real Sociedad are level with them on 35 points and Villarreal are four points back in sixth.
Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Athletic Bilbao topped the worst first 50% of the battle for an Atletico side honed by Simeone, who assumed control on 2011 and Sevilla are the huge distinction this season.
Atletico drove the standings ahead of schedule in the crusade however a 1-0 overcome at Sevilla in October started a poor run which brought Simeone’s group seven points out of a possible 21. “We are growing,” Simeone said. “Each game we get closer to the consistency we want in our play so that results follow.” Perhaps the most stressing statistic for the Argentine mentor is that his side have not beaten any group in the main seven this season. Atletico lost to Real Madrid, Sevilla, Real Sociedad and Villarreal and drew with Barcelona and Athletic.
