Atletico Madrid's expectations of completing second in LaLiga and getting a spot in the following Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia took a blow as they lost 2-0 at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
They stay fourth on 61 points, three behind second-set Sevilla, who were held to a 1-1 home draw by transfer undermined Cadiz on Friday, and two off third-set Barcelona, who have a game close by and have modest Mallorca on Sunday.
Coach Diego Simeone's stresses are not a little more than a Super Cup spot as Atletico are just four points in front of fifth-set Real Betis, who have a game close by and visit Getafe on Monday.
Just LaLiga's best four go into the Champions League.
On a day featured by Real Madrid's title festivities, after they had prior won 4-0 at home to Espanyol, a deadened Atletico were overwhelmed by the hosts.
Athletic, who are presently eighth on 51 points, went on in the eighth moment when defender Mario Hermoso avoided the ball into his own goal from a cross-shot by Inaki Williams.
Atletico, without their in-structure forward Joao Felix until the end of the time with a leg injury, were continually undermined by Williams and Iker Muniain, being saved by the post once and by two extraordinary prevents from goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Yet, Athletic scored a merited second in the 56th with a penalty by Williams after Muniain was stumbled by Mexican midfielder Hector Herrera. Williams got with a 'Panenka' chip down the center of the goal as Oblak tumbled to one side.
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