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Diego Simeone s side lost 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao last weekend and were fortunate to avoid another slip-up against relegation-threatened Elche in Sunday s (AEST) contest at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.
Marcos Llorente scored what proved to be the all important goal for Atleti with his 12th league strike of the campaign in the 23rd minute after Luis Suarez had one chalked off for a marginal offside.
However, Elche wasted a glorious chance to snatch a share of the spoils in the 91st minute as Fidel fired a penalty against the post, meaning Atletico move five points clear of Real Madrid and Barca, who both have a game in hand to play.
Preview: Real Betis vs Atletico Madrid - prediction, team sportsmole.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sportsmole.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Barcelona Update: Ronald Koeman Very Happy Even Without Lionel Messi
KEY POINTS
Barca manager Ronald Koeman is pleased with the team s performance
Koeman acknowledges what s missing in the midfield
With Lionel Messi still out due to suspension, Ronald Koeman and Barcelona still managed to seal a victory over Elche.
As part of the two-game suspension following a red card against Athletic Club, Messi missed the action against Elche at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on Sunday.
The Catalans still played a sensational game even without their captain, thumping their La Liga rivals 2-0.
After the match, Koeman commended his squad’s defensive efforts which led to the decisive win.
TheHardTackle.com
Elche vs Real Madrid Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Betting Analysis
Real Madrid will hope to end 2020 on a positive note when they take on Elche at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on Wednesday.
It is quite odd to see a La Liga matchday at the back end of a calendar year when teams are usually given a break during the holiday period. However, such are the times we live in that we end 2020 with Matchday 16 of the 2020/21 La Liga season. Real Madrid take the field on Wednesday when they lock horns with Elche at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup against Elche: Modric returns; Hazard in contention to feature thehardtackle.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thehardtackle.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.