Filipe Luis admits Atletico Madrid have said goodbye to La Liga
Filipe Luis, Atletico Madrid’s Brazilian full-back, admits that catching Barcelona in La Liga is almost impossible now, keeping in mind the advantage Luis Enrique’s side have worked and the consistency they have shown throughout the season.
At this stage of the campaign, heading into the 26th round of fixtures, Barça have an eight point lead over Atletico and are nine clear of Real Madrid in third. They have the better head-to-head records, too, and are also constructing a fine goal difference. No-one has come from so far behind to win the league title with just 13 games remaining.
“We have said goodbye to La Liga. Barça are ahead of everyone and our objective has never been [to win the league], but to qualify for the Champions League,” Filipe Luis said.
The ex-Chelsea defender added: “Barça have already played their most difficult games away from home. They are really solid and they are playing really well. It will be really difficult to catch them, you have to be honest.”
Atletico face Real Madrid in the derby this weekend at the Santiago Bernabeu and Filipe Luis says Diego Simeone’s side are going for the win.
“Real Madrid are really strong at home, but we are the best away side [in the league]. I think it will be a game decided by the small details and [it will be won] by the team that commits the least errors. We’ll have to be switched on, but we’re going out to win,” he said.
