Atletico Madrid travel to Celta Vigo on Sunday evening buoyed by their 4-0 demolition of rivals Real Madrid last weekend.
Rojiblancos had already been on an impressive run of form, with their only defeat in six coming away at Barcelona, but their performance against the league leaders suggested that it is a three-horse race for the La Liga title.
Attacking duo Mario Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann both netted in the game at the Vicente Calderon as the two summer signings continued their hot streak in front of goal.
Mandzukic, who moved to Spain from Bayern Munich, is now up to 19 goals for the campaign in all competitions, but Griezmann is one ahead of his La Liga total of 11 after establishing himself as a first-team regular over the past two months.
Coach Diego Simeone is unlikely to make any changes to his starting lineup for the trip to Balaidos.
Celta began the season with just one defeat in 11 league games, but, after stunning Barcelona at Camp Nou at the start of November, their form dropped off alarmingly for the remainder of 2014.
Following the triumph at the Catalan giants, Celta lost eight of their next nine fixtures to leave them falling towards a relegation battle, but four points in their last two outings has steadied the ship.
The 1-0 win over Cordoba was essential to keep their opponents towards the foot of the table, while the late draw at Real Sociedad leaves them playing host to the defending champions with the pressure eased on coach Eduardo Berizzo.
Striker Theo Bongonda is pushing for a start, but both Hugo Mallo and Borja Oubina are missing for Os Celestes.
Celta Vigo:
Form in La Liga: LDLLWD
Form in all competitions: DWLLWD
Possible starting lineup: Sergio Alvarez, Cabral, Fontas, Sergi Gomez, Jonny Castro, Krohn-Dehli, Fernanded, Alex Lopez, Larrivey, Nolito, Bongonba
Atletico Madrid:
Form in La Liga: WLWWWW
Form in all competitions: WDWDWW
Possible starting lineup: Moya; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Siqueira; Koke, Tiago, Gabi; Griezmann, Mandzukic, Turan
Sports Mole says: 1-3
Darren Plant
