When we talk about the need of securing a top four spot for Atletico Madrid then I would say in two word: next match. Atletico Madrid will face this Saturday Athletic Bilbao and a defeat in Metropolitano means goodbye the fourth position for good since except from Real Sociedad, the other teams aren't that hard for Athletic Bilbao.
Yes, Atletico Madrid's match against Alaves which ended in victory for Alaves, hopefully Simeone will learn a valuable lesson and he will be careful when he competes against Atletico Bilbao.
Yes, if for example Atletico Madrid lose at the Metropolitano then of course it will make Bilbao happy and I hope Simeone can make his men win in the next match and be able to maintain their position in 4th place.
However, if you look at Bilbao's last match against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, when Atletico Madrid lost, of course in the next match it will be difficult for Atletico Madrid to win the match, but I'm sure Simeone will be able to make his men appear confident.
but of course Valverde will definitely do everything in his power to make Bilbao win and it will definitely be a fierce competition. yeah, we'll see. but it looks like in that match I want to bet on Atletico Madrid winning.