Ahead of tonight’s Champions League encounter against Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has urged his side to enjoy the tie, adding that he is focused on his side’s strengths instead of Los Blancos’ injured players.
Atletico Madrid will play the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against holders Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the scoreless draw from the first leg at the Vicente Calderon last week means that the tie is evenly poised.
The reigning Spanish champions made it to final of the Champions League last season, but they couldn’t get the better of Carlo Ancelotti’s men in the deciding fixture as Real Madrid became European champions for the tenth time in their history.
Simeone has urged his side to enjoy their foray in the prestigious competition when they take to the field tonight.
“We want to savour and enjoy more nights like these because they don't come around often”, he was quoted as saying by UEFA.
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Real Madrid are missing some of their regulars tonight due to injuries and the Argentine has said that instead of focusing on Los Blancos’ missing players, he wants his team to focus on themselves.
“There is no pressure on these teams, but there is responsibility. I'm thinking about how we can hurt Real Madrid, not about Luka Modric's injury.
“We are focused only on ourselves.”
The 44-year-old is content with the defensive options he has at his disposal and believes that he has the players to deliver the goods tonight.
“We have great players in defensive positions and I have a problem deciding which ones are better suited for each match.
“We have players who can keep us safe at the back and attack if possible.”
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