Atletico Madrid still has a chance to be in the top four. That's why it's too early to talk about these. The only team they can pass is Athletic Bilbao. If they surpass them in the rankings, they can play in UCL again. Maybe they will play in the semi-finals for UCL this year, but they should not lose their ranking in the league to be here next year. They must somehow learn to use the offensive zone more powerfully and more effectively.
Difficult for Atletico Madrid get opportunity to be top fourth standings position this season after beating by Barcelona last match in front of their fans, current standings Athletic Bilbao leading the 4th position with one point remaining. Its crucial losses for Atletico Madrid with failed get three points automatically failed to reach to the top fourth position, left 9 matches later in La Liga Atletico Madrid must secure all three points if want get the top fourth position and most strong opponent teams waiting for against Girona, Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad are potential teams will be losses points.
Have heavy schedule for Atletico Madrid upcoming matches later, not only how to return winning trend in domestic league but also Atletico must consistent well in Champion League against Dortmund on the first and second leg match. How much percentage possibilities for Atletico Madrid securing their top fourth standings behind the rival teams such as Bilbao and Girona just focus with domestic league only.
Diego Simeone had to rack his brains to organize a good squad to secure fourth place again. The defeat to Barcelona was clearly a blow because they lost important points. With the remaining matches becoming less and less, it really makes fans even more anxious. Yes, Atletico Madrid also has to share their concentration on the Champions League, I think with such a busy schedule it will be very difficult for Simeone to rotate players. However, I still believe that Los Cholchoneros will be able to get through that phase, because they have coaches and players who have a fighter's mentality during bitter times.