Quique Flores says Atletico Madrid have to battle to finish in the top seven before the Christmas break to achieve their objectives this season.

Atletico are currently dwelling in the drop zone, in 18^th position, but are a mere six points behind Sporting Gijon, who are flying high in seventh and Flores is adamant that Los Colchoneros can overtake them come the year-end holidays.

"We have to finish before the Christmas break in the top seven. We have two games against major rivals [Real Madrid & Villarreal]. I would like to face the final stretch of four months with things being normal," he told AS.

After their 2-2 stalemate with Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday, Flores' men must now get ready for a shootout against bitter rivals Real Madrid, with Los Merengues reeling from a 1-1 draw against AC Milan in Europe's elite competition.