Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has backed his team to create history at Santiago Bernabeu as they face Real Madrid in this season Champions League round of 16.
Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg, having eliminated them four times in little over a decade. With Madrid considered the ‘kings of Europe’ , Simeone believes now is the time to rewrite history.
“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.”
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF battle for the ball with Clement Lenglet of Atletico de Madrid during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Atletico de Madrid. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
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.”
Real Madrid defeated Manchester City during the playoffs to secure a place in the round of 16. Having lost to Real Betis in their La Liga game this weekend, Carlo Ancelotti will be eager to see his team secure a win over Diego Simeone’s Atletico.
