Granada - Atletico Madrid Preview: History weighs heavily against hosts

History is firmly on Atletico Madrid's side as Diego Simeone's men seek to boost their Liga title hopes when they visit struggling Granada this weekend.

It has been 42 years since Granada overcame Atletico, with the capital club enjoying a 13-game unbeaten run against the Andalusian side.

Recent form offers the hosts little cause for optimism either, with Jose Ramon Sandoval's 17th-placed side reeling from Tuesday's shock 2-1 Copa del Rey loss to second-tier Leganes.

Indeed, Sandoval has overseen just two wins this season – away to Getafe and versus Athletic Bilbao at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes – so Atletico, who are unbeaten in 11 and eyeing a sixth victory on the bounce in all competitions, will sense an opportunity.

The visitors have been characteristically assured in defence this season, conceding just six goals in 13 league matches with only two of those coming on the road, while Granada have drawn a blank in seven of their last eight meetings with Atletico.