Two clubs in the top half of the Spanish Liga BBVA table will do battle today in a league match between Atlético Madrid and Espanyol. The first-division clash scheduled for 5 p.m. ET will be held at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid and can be live streamed here free.

Atlético Madrid enter the weekend riding high after advancing to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. A 4-1 thumping of Italian outfit AC Milan has risen the club's spirits. Manager Diego Simeone beamed brighter than a proud father following the match and admired his men's fighting spirit (h/t to UEFA's official website). "I knew Milan could make life difficult; they have Ignazio Abate, Kaká, Mario Balotelli ... but my players were at their best in the second half," Simeone said.

"Only with the third goal did I relax a little. Now we have to wait and see who we get in the next round. Today was very important for the team," he added.

"I am very happy with the result, it is historic. I have warriors on the pitch."

Will his warriors continue to fight at home when Espanyol visits the Vicente Calderon? Tell us @SportsWN

Tactical Preview

Player to Watch: Atlético Madrid's Koke has been a stalwart on the wing for the club this season. The 22-year-old enters the weekend with 10 assists and averages two key passes per match.

Atlético Madrid's Projected Lineup (4-4-2): Courtois; Luis, Alderweireid, Godin, Juanfran; Turan, Gabi, Tiago, Koke; Villa, Costa

Espanyol's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Casilla; Fuentes, Moreno, Colotto, López; López, Sáncez; Stuani, Pizzi, Simão, Garcia


(h/t to WhoScored)

RnkTeamMPWDLGFGAGDP
1Real Madrid27214276265067
2Atlético Madrid27204363214264
3FC Barcelona27203474225263
4Athletic Club27156650311951
5Villarreal CF27135947331444
6Real Sociedad27127746361043
7Sevilla FC2711884742541
8Valencia CF27106113938136
9Espanyol27106113233-136
10Levante279992634-836
11Celta de Vigo2786133239-730
12Granada CF2793152436-1230
13Málaga CF2778122435-929
14Osasuna2785132439-1529
15Elche CF2778122440-1629
16Getafe CF2776142342-1927
17Real Valladolid27511112944-1526
18UD Almería2775152546-2326
19Rayo Vallecano2782172659-3226
20Real Betis2746172356-3318