Decisive "clasico“ for Atletico

They have reached the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne, but two weeks before their “trophy mission” in the LANXESS Arena, Atletico Madrid have a tough and decisive domestic clash ahead on Saturday 12 May 2012.

At 20:15 hrs local time, the team of Talant Dushebajev need a victory at the “fortress” Palau Blaugran at their old rival FC Barcelona Intersport to remain in the race for the Spanish championship.

Atletico (currently second placed) lost the first match against ranking leader Barca on home ground with a two goal margin, but by winning at Palau with three or more goal difference they would take the lead in the Asobal Liga. Barcelona still has a clear sheet after 27 rounds, whilst Atletico only lost one game against the defending champions.

Today’s clash is the re-match of the final of the 2011 VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne, won by Barca 27:24, and it will be a duel between the Entrerrios brothers Raul (Barcelona) and Alberto (Madrid).

Atletico will have to replace two injured players – not only in this game, but for the rest of the season: Roberto Parrondo and Mariusz Jurkiewicz. Despite this situation, Madrid’s VELUX EHF Champions League top scorer Kiril Lazarov is confident: “We lost at home, but since then we did not give any point in Asobal from our hands. We have done our home work and we hope to win at Barcelona. The number of mistakes on each side will decide the game. We will play with heads, hearts and passion."