Athletic Bilbao aim to end Atletico Madrid run

Jackson Martinez and Tiago continue their progress from injury as Atletico Madrid look to extend their 12-game unbeaten streak in all competitions when they host Athletic Bilbao at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday.

Both players were given the all clear to participate in Friday's training session. However, Colombian forward Martinez will remain on the sidelines despite reaching the final phase of rehabilitation from an ankle injury suffered on international duty while Portuguese midfielder Tiago is a long-term absentee.

Uruguayan defender Jose Gimenez is still struggling with an abductor injury as he felt discomfort during the team's preparation and will miss out against the Basque side. Gimenez will be replaced by Stefan Savic after the Montenegro international's impressive showing against Benfica in midweek.

After topping their group in the Champions League, Atleti look to capitalise on any slip-ups from the league leaders Barcelona, who host Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday afternoon. Diego Simeone's men trail Barcelona only by two points and will seek their fifth straight league win.

Midfielder Raul Garcia returns to his old club as seventh-placed Athletic look to continue their impressive run of form.

After winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Europa League and two Super Cups with the Rojiblancos, Garcia moved to the Basque-based club in the summer and the Spaniard still has high expectations at his new club.

The 29-year-old said: "I still have very big ambitions for myself. I still want to go further and we must continue to improve. Obviously, each player has his own way of being, but for me, passion is the word that sums up my football.

"The day I do not feel that passion and ambition I may have to quit football."

Los Leones stretched their unbeaten run to five games in all competitions after safely progressing through to the knock-out stages of the Europa League on Thursday.