Atletico have ‘big opportunity’ against Real Madrid, says Simeone

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone admitted city rivals Real Madrid have the more illustrious history but backed his own team to deliver ahead of their tantalising Champions League last-16 derby clash on Tuesday.

Record 15-time winners and current holders Los Blancos host Simeone’s side at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg, having eliminated them four times in little over a decade.

Real Madrid beat Simeone’s Atletico in the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals as well as the 2017 semi-finals, 2015 quarters and on the only other occasion they have met in the competition, in the 1959 semis.

Atletico have never won the Champions League, finishing as runners-up on three occasions, while Madrid are considered the ‘kings of Europe’ and Catalan giants Barcelona have lifted the trophy five times.

“I always put Barcelona and Real Madrid where they are because of their history, so nothing has changed,” Simeone told reporters Monday.

“They both have a tremendous history and we are pure growth, which is very nice.”

The coach said his team had a chance to write a new story at the Bernabeu.

“As we always relate situations to history, and history exists, Real Madrid’s history in the Champions League is extraordinary, and tomorrow we have a big opportunity,” continued Simeone.

Atletico are battling with Spain’s big two for the La Liga title and are currently second, one point behind Barca and two ahead of Los Blancos.

Simeone believes the intense domestic battle will have no bearing on their European tie.

“I see a game with a lot of respect against a great opponent and I think they respect us in the same way,” said the coach.

“I think all the previous games will have no impact at all, this is the Champions League.

“If we played against a team that wasn’t in our league, we would not get into that… I think for the city, for Madrid, it’s spectacular that Atletico and Real Madrid are facing off.”