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Moreno: "I expect an Atletico Madrid side at a high level"
The coach previews Sunday's 4:15pm CEST kickoff
Vicente Moreno addressed the media in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's LaLiga Matchday 32 game against Atletico Madrid, in which Los Pericos travel to the capital to play the reigning champions.
Asked as to whether Atletico Madrid's elimination from the Champions League would affect their performance, the RCD Espanyol coach said that he expected another typically tough game.
"I expect an Atletico Madrid side who are like always: A side that compete, that leave everything out there, and that show a high level in terms of their players and coach. They will be wounded, and I think they deserved much more than what they got against Manchester City. They have an ample squad and you don't know if the players who start are better than the ones who will come in later. I expect an Atletico Madrid side at a high level."
"It's normal for this game to have gone unnoticed, and it's logical that people might still be talking about their last game. I hope they have their mind on something other than tomorrow's game, but I'd be surprised if they did," commented Moreno.
Espanyol will be missing Yangel Herrera, who is suspended, but there are also several players carrying knocks.
"I have decided on the replacement in the midfield. Yangel is an important player for us. When he is fit or coming close to his best level, he gives us more options. We don't have him available and we have alternatives to cover."
In the first match against Atletico this season, held at the RCDE Stadium, the visitors levelled in stoppage time, although the coach commented that "That was a long time ago, but it was a tough day. We earned a point. However, when you play against these teams and you stop doing something or allow them to function at their highest level, it is difficult to beat them. That game is in the past and we have to try to have a good game tomorrow, trying to make the circumstances that decide matches fall on our side."