The Rojiblancos, who were in the UEFA Cup this year, last featured in Europe's elite club competition in the 1996/97 season after winning a league and cup double in 1996.

Thursday's 2-0 victory away to Espanyol strengthened their grip on fourth place in the standings and put them three points clear of chasing Sevilla with two games left to play. They also hold the edge in head-to-head encounters with the Andalucians.

The side are just three points short of third-placed Barcelona and could conceivably overtake Frank Rijkaard's stuttering team if the Catalans do not steady their ship.

"It would be spectacular to qualify for the Champions League at home with our own fans," said Forlan ahead of Sunday's Primera Liga clash at home to Deportivo La Coruna.

"It would allow us to enjoy the last week of the season but it won't be easy. Depor are playing very well and are hoping to make the UEFA Cup. At least it all rests in our own hands."

The Uruguay striker notched his 15th league goal of the season against Espanyol and is three behind his partner, Sergio Aguero, who opened the scoring in the same game.

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre has been linked with the Mexico job in recent weeks, despite him having a clause in his contract which automatically gives him an extension for next season if he leads Atletico into Europe, as he did last year.

Club president Enrique Cerezo told reporters: "The Mexico job hasn't been mentioned since last September. But we are only focused on Sunday.

"I am fed up with the league this year and just wish it was all over now with us fourth. We could have assured this a number of weeks ago, but the results haven't been good so now we are in this situation.

"It's important we don't start celebrating just yet. Let's make sure we win first and then we can all celebrate together."

Aguirre will be without suspended defender Luis Perea but is expected to have Portugal winger Simao Sabrosa back from injury on the left flank.

Depor have been one of the form teams of the second half of the season and have strung together six victories from their last seven outings.

They scraped a 1-0 won at home to relegated Levante on Wednesday with a late goal from striker Riki, but travel to the capital in high spirits.

"Atletico are playing for the Champions League in this game and in front of their own fans it will be very difficult, but it is the type of game every player wants to compete in," said Riki.

"If we win it will help us to close on the Intertoto Cup and finish the season on a high."

Coach Miguel Angel Lotina is without injured forwards Juan Carlos Valeron and Jose Andres Guardado as well as defender Antonio Barragan.