Ahead of tonight’s derby against Real Madrid in the Champions League, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone feels that his side’s loss to Los Blancos in the final in Lisbon last year will have no bearing, adding that he expects an intense game.
Atletico Madrid were beaten 4-1 in the final of the Champions League last season after putting up stiff resistance for the 90 minutes until their resolve was undone when the match headed into extra time with the score level at 1-1 at full time.
The reigning Spanish champions will host Ancelotti’s men in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Vicente Calderon tonight. And Simeone feels that the two sides have considerably changed since the Lisbon game.
“The two teams are different because of the qualities of their players”, he was quoted as saying by UEFA.
“This is also a different game from last season, with players on both sides who weren't involved in the Lisbon final.”
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However, the Argentine conceded that Real Madrid have more individual talent in their ranks that can decide the tie in their favour, adding that he expects an intense match tonight.
“They have more individual talent than us in several positions.
“I don't look at previous matches because this one is going to be different – it will be played with real intensity.”
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