Now Atlético Madrid Can Fight For Their Objective - Raúl García

Atlético Madrid approach the Christmas period in the knowledge that if they beat Espanyol on Saturday evening they will leapfrog Villarreal and move into the Champions League places.

It seems like a long time ago that they were getting thrashed by Barcelona and losing to Sevilla, and today, midfielder Raúl García spoke about their turn around.

"People considered us to be dead and now we are in a position to compete for the four places that we want," he declared to Marca.

"Our goal is to finish in the Champions League positions and it is not important to us if Real Madrid finish below or above us."

Atlético overtaking Real Madrid in the league might not matter to the players, but it certainly does to the fans, who will be keeping an eye on the Champions League draw tomorrow. After finishing runners-up in their group, Atlético could face some tough teams, and Raúl García is hopeful they get someone reasonable.

"What we want is to get through the next round. If we get an easy team it does not mean we will qualify, but I hope that we can be lucky and face a side where we will have options," he mused.

Along with the Champions League, Atlético have another competition to worry about as they face Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey. Spanish midfielder García spoke briefly about that match today, and was questioned about the previous humiliation they suffered at the hands of the Catalan side.

"If we go thinking about what they are able to do, then we would not believe in ourselves," he responded.

"It is clear they have a high level, but there are teams that have gone there and have been capable of standing up to them."

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com


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