Atletico Madrid captain Gabi and central defender Diego Godin have described the champions’ next fixture, against Almeria, as akin to a final.
Los Colchoneros were held at home by Celta Vigo in Round 4, giving up a 2-1 lead to draw 2-2, the game coming days after Atleti were beaten in the Champions League by Olympiacos.
With Barcelona making a perfect start to the League campaign, Atletico are in danger of losing track of their fellow title challengers and Gabi and Godin made no effort to downplay the importance of their next game.
“It’s very important, Wednesday’s game,” Gabi said, according to Marca.
“With a draw [against Celta] we have to win and I think we will get a result. This game is a final.”
Godin echoed the skipper’s thoughts, and called for Atletico to go on a winning run between now and the October international break.
“Every game is vital. We have to analyse [the Celta game] and prepare for the games that follow as if they were finals,” the Uruguay international added.
