Atletico Madrid have already clinched Champions League qualification for next season but they will try to secure the third position in their upcoming games against Getafe and Real Sociedad.
Many may think that there is no difference between the third and fourth spot in LaLiga Santander but there are plenty of reasons why Atletico would want to finish above Sevilla.
Financial benefits
Finishing third means that Atleti will receive more prize money from LaLiga at the end of the season.
Participation in the Champions League is considered as one of their main sources of revenue in the last few seasons, but LaLiga’s distribution has also pitched in.
Prestige
Under Diego Simeone, Atletico have received a huge status boost.
From being considered Spain’s fifth best team, they have even managed to break the Real Madrid and Barcelona duopoly.
Los Rojiblancos have finished in LaLiga Santander’s top three positions every season since 2012/13 and they are willing to do the same this year.
Before Simeone’s arrival, Atleti had mustered 82 fewer points than Valencia and 51 fewer than Athletic Club in the history of the competition.
After eight years, they have overtaken both and they now are 90 points ahead of Los Che and 187 points ahead of the Basques. Continue reading