Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 8y

Atletico Madrid control own destiny in La Liga - Diego Simeone

Diego Simeone says he is convinced Atletico Madrid's La Liga title hopes are in their own hands despite Barcelona currently holding the advantage at the top of the table.

Atletico's superb form has seen them eliminate Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate in the Champions League and also move level on points with Luis Enrique's men at the top of the league table.

Barca still have the advantage over Atletico due to their head-to-head record after beating the capital club home and away this season, but Simeone believes Luis Enrique's men will drop further points as the two sides prepare for their final five games of the season.

Speaking at his news conference ahead of Wednesday evening's trip to Athletic Bilbao, Simeone said: "I cannot see the future, but I am sure, certain, that we are not depending on anyone else. We just depend on ourselves.

"That is what I think -- we are in control of our own destiny."

Simeone said his squad were aware of the growing feeling that they were on the brink of something special but added: "That does not change what we do, or take us out of our own reality.

"We have just achieved an important objective for the club, to be again in the Champions League next season.

"That strengthens us to compete in what is coming, tomorrow's very important game. To improve on what we have done before is our next step. Be better than last season, and we are on that path, now looking to the game in Bilbao."

Athletic have won six of their last eight league games to move up to fifth place and within six points of the last Champions League qualification spot, which is currently held by Villarreal.

However, Simeone's men have an excellent recent record at San Mames, winning on their last three visits, including a crucial 2-1 win in March 2014 that was later seen as a key moment in that season's surprise title victory.

"Athletic are an important opponent, a very strong side," Simeone said. "They are very strong all over the pitch, lots of options, and [ex-Atletico player] Raul Garcia has strengthened them a lot. It will be a game that we will have to take to a place where we feel more comfortable. Each game is different; we have prepared for this one in its own way."

Atletico skipper Gabi is suspended after being booked in Saturday's 3-0 home win over Granada, so Augusto Fernandez, who signed in January from Celta Vigo, should again come into central midfield.

"[Augusto] made an enormous effort to be with us, and has performed much better," Simeone said. "He played a great game against Barca, and did well in the second half against Granada. He thinks like an attacking player, while playing in the centre of the pitch. Then there is his commitment and the effort he makes."

Former Real Sociedad attacker Antoine Griezmann has happy memories of San Mames, with Simeone describing his hat trick in Atletico's 4-1 win there last season as an "important step" on his way to becoming the team's attacking star.

"Antoine made an important step in that game," Simeone said. "He played a tremendous game, which was the result of the hard work he put in as he fitted into the group. What is happening now is due to his own effort. I am convinced he has even more to give and I hope he keeps demanding that of himself, as he is doing now."

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