Saul: Atletico Madrid must improve away from home

Ahead of Atletico Madrid's final game of 2018, Saul Niguez responded to fan's questions about the season so far.

It comes after an own goal last weekend against Real Valladolid almost cost his team more points on the road, before a late winner.

"The fans offer a bonus, it helps us to give more in every game," he said as part of the #LaPreguntaMahou initiative.

"We know that at home with them it is easier and we have made ourselves strong at home.

"We have to improve away, you can see that there is a big points difference."

The inconsistency both home and away has led to mixed feelings about how Atletico are performing in LaLiga Santander this season.

"It's a difficult year after the World Cup, I am trying to add value in different positions," he added.

"It's not my best year in terms of goals, but my feelings at a personal level are positive."

On Saturday, the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano will also welcome back former captain Gabi for a unique tribute.

"Having Gabi as my teammate was an honour for me, he's an example in every facet of play and at a personal level he is even better," he reflected.

"I will remember the feeling that I had playing alongside him which was to go to the limit with him always, whether it was good or bad.

"You would fight to the death with him and he transmitted that to me and that's what we miss most."

Los Colchoneros will face Espanyol in a must-win game as Diego Simeone's side look to end the year on a high.

"It's a very important game, it's the last of the year and we are lucky to play it at home, with our fans who we know to be important," the midfielder said in advance of the fixture.

"It's a game that will be very difficult with a complicated rival with great players.

"They are a very compact team and, although they aren't in their best form, they will cause us problems."

With the Catalan club having lost their last five LaLiga Santander matches, Atleti will be out to inflict more misery upon Espanyol.