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Atlético's Ciutat de València curse: 11 visits, nothing to celebrate
Six draws and three defeats for Atleti at Levante, though Alberto Pérez believes this is the year
Alberto Pérez recalls the circumstances of Atlético de Madrid's last visit to Levante.
Rubén Uría lays out the numbers: eleven Atleti matches at Levante's ground, six draws and three defeats. Alberto Pérez explains what has changed about the opposition and why he is confident of a win this time.
Rubén Uría raised the subject that gave today's 'El Club de Uría' its title: the Ciutat de València. He is not sure whether to call it a cursed stadium, but the figures speak for themselves. Eleven matches there, six draws and three defeats. He cannot think of another top-flight side, apart from Real Madrid or Barça, against whom Atleti have such a poor away record. Others on the panel pointed out that, after Barça's ground, it may be the stadium where Atleti fare worst.
Alberto Pérez tried to explain it. There was a period when Levante were a very different team, tough, abrasive and awkward to play against, and he made clear it was not meant as a criticism. Today, he believes, the opposition are something else entirely.
He also recalled the last visit. Atlético arrived with a depleted squad: a youth-team player (Jano Monserrate) had to come on, Sorloth took a blow to the head and had to go off, and the game coincided with transfer deadline day and all the chaos surrounding signings. This time, with a week's rest, the team arrive in better shape, and Alberto is confident Atleti can win there.