May 9, 2012 7:45 PM BST
Arena Națională — București
Referee: W. Stark
Atletico Madrid
Tiago is suspended for the Europa League final after receiving a
straight red card in the semi-final second leg tie against Valencia.
Mario Suarez should play alongside Gabi in defensive midfield.
Antonio Lopez has been out for much of the season through injury, but is
back in training once again. However, he is unlikely to feature here,
though.
Silvio remains absent, and Fran Merida is cup-tied.
Diego Simeone did not rest any of his key players for the win over
Malaga at the weekend as he chases fourth place in the league, so his
players will only have had a few days rest before the Europa League
final.
Probable lineups : Courtois, Luis, Miranda, Gocin, Juanfran, Suarez, Gabi, Turan, Diego, Adrian, Falcao. (4-2-3-1).
Fernando Amorebieta faces a late fitness test after missing the draw
with Getafe at the weekend, but he is expected to be make it back. Javi Martinez will return to the lineup after missing Saturday's match due to suspension.
Llorente and Muniain are amongst those who were rested by Marcelo Bielsa and will return to the starting XI for this game. With this game in mind, Bielsa made wholesale changes to his team at the
weekend, but will recall all his biggest names as he seeks a trophy in
the first of two cup finals this season.
Probable lineups : Iraizoz, Iraola, Amorebieta, Martinez, Aurtenetxe, Iturraspe,Ander, Susaeta, Marcos, Muniain, Llorente. (4-2-3-1).
Match Facts
Atletico Madrid have won their last 11 matches in UEFA Europa League.
Atletico Madrid have been drawing at half time and winning at full time in their last 4 matches in UEFA Europa League.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Athletic Bilbao's last 6 games in UEFA Europa League.
Athletic Bilbao have scored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches in UEFA Europa League.
Head to Head
| Spain - Primera Division | Mar 21, 2012 | Atletico Madrid 2 - Athletic Bilbao 1 | |
| Spain - Primera Division | Oct 27, 2011 | Athletic Bilbao 3 - Atletico Madrid 0 | |
| Spain - Primera Division | Jan 30, 2011 | Atletico Madrid 0 - Athletic Bilbao 2 | |
| Spain - Primera Division | Sep 11, 2010 | Athletic Bilbao 1 - Atletico Madrid 2 | |
| Spain - Primera Division | Mar 25, 2010 | Atletico Madrid 2 - Athletic Bilbao 0 |
Last Five Matches
| May 5, 2012 | Atletico Madrid 2 - Malaga 1 | LIGA |
| May 2, 2012 | Atletico Madrid 1 - Real Sociedad 1 | LIGA |
| Apr 29, 2012 | Betis 2 - Atletico Madrid 2 | LIGA |
| Apr 26, 2012 | Valencia CF 0 - Atletico Madrid 1 | EL |
| Apr 22, 2012 | Atletico Madrid 3 - Espanyol 1 | LIGA |
| May 5, 2012 | Athletic Bilbao 0 - Getafe 0 | LIGA |
| May 2, 2012 | Athletic Bilbao 0 - Real Madrid CF 3 | LIGA |
| Apr 29, 2012 | Zaragoza 2 - Athletic Bilbao 0 | LIGA |
| Apr 26, 2012 | Athletic Bilbao 3 - Sporting Lisbon 1 | EL |
| Apr 22, 2012 | Racing 0 - Athletic Bilbao 1 | LIGA |
Prediction
Most people expected that the Champions League would provide an
all-Spanish final on the European stage this season, but both Barcelona
and Real Madrid crashed out of the competition and it is the Europa
League that is staging the occasion instead. Atletico are more
experienced in this competition, having won it 2 years ago, but that may
well count for nothing in a one-off game against another Spanish side.
They did not start the season well but have finished strongly under the
guidance of Diego Simeone. They are, however, not yet guaranteed a place
in next seasons competition through the league, so will be extra
motivated to win this game and secure their spot through that route.
Athletic, meanwhile, have performed above many people's expectations for
much of the season. They memorably beat Manchester United and Schalke
earlier in the competition, with manager Bielsa masterminding impressive
victories in goal-filled and attacking performances. They are already
guaranteed their spot in next season's competition through the Copa del
Rey (in which they face Champions League bound Barcelona) so their
league performances have dropped somewhat. However, they will be back to
full strength and highly motivated to win the competition, so their
recent failings in La Liga should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Their last 6 meetings are evenly balanced, with each side having won 3
of those 6, including a home win for each side this season. Furthermore,
this will be on neutral ground, adding further unpredictability to the
tie, so this really is anybody's game to win. It may well be a question
of which striker can outwit the opposing defender's plans to thwart
them. Falcao always has a goal in him and he could be the difference.
Atletico Madrid 2 - 1 Athletic Bilbao
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