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Preview: Atlético de Madrid vs Sevilla FC
Pre-match reports

LOOKING TO SECURE A TOP-FOUR FINISH AT THE METROPOLITANO

15/05/2022
Entradilla
Sevilla FC need a point to confirm Champions League qualification, or for their nearest rival to drop points
Cuerpo Superior

For the third matchday in a row, Sevilla FC are depending on themselves to fulfil their objective for the season, Champions League qualification. Unlike the last two matchdays, the team only need a point at the Wanda Metropolitano to secure a top-four finish and to stay alive in the fight for third place. A win would make a third-placed finish more likely, but Sevilla are yet to win in the league at Atlético's new stadium. However, the team have drawn there before, and a repeat would mean next weekend's match at home to Athletic would be stress-free. There are nine matches kicking off at the same time todayand Sevilla FC will be keeping an eye on a match in their own citydespite being in the capital. If Betis fail to defeat Granada at home, Champions League qualification will be confirmed regardless of the result at the Wanda Metropolitano.

As for on-the-pitch matters, Lopetegui has taken a 21-man squad to Madrid, which includes a returning Karim Rekikafter his injurywhile Martial misses outLamela has travelled with the team to support themas he is suspended. With the stakes at an all-time high, there is also the fight for the Zamora Trophy, with Bono and Courtois battling it out to concede the fewest goals this season. Ancelotti has already confirmed that the Belgian will not start at Cádiz, so a clean sheet for Bono tonight would not only confirm a top-four finish, but would also take a huge leap towards the award. 

Simeone's side sealed Champions League football with a win away at Elche in midweek

Atlético head into their final home match of the season with the sole aim of staying in third placeafter overtaking Sevilla on Wednesday. Simeone's side have already qualified for the Champions League, and have barely any options of finishing second, as Barcelona are five points clear with two matches remaining. As for team selection issues, Lodi is suspendedwhile Joao FélixVrsaljko and Lemar are injured. It will also be a special evening for Luis Suárez, as it could well be his final home match at the Wanda Metropolitano. Sevilla will also win the head-to-head record if they do not lose, as the reverse fixture was a 2-1 home win. This would come into play in the race for third place, if both teams finish level on points.

José María Sánchez Martínez is today's referee, the seventh time this season he has taken charge of a Sevilla FC fixture. In fact, he has officiated two of the team's four defeats this seasonaway at the Camp Nou and at the Bernabéu. He also refereed the home draws against Cádiz and Celta, the home win against Valencia and the win away at Getafe. From the 20 matches he has officiated, Sevilla have won nine, drawn and lost seven. As for Atlético, this season he only took charge of the home win against Osasuna. Their record with the Murcian referee is nine wins, four draws and just one loss - their penalty shoot-out defeat against Real Madrid in the 2020 Spanish Super Cup. Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva is on VAR duty.