Ahead of the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid’s manager, Diego Simeone, emphasized the importance of his team demonstrating their capability to remain within the elite circle of Europe’s top-eight clubs.
The match comes at a critical juncture for Atletico, who are significantly trailing in the LaLiga, positioned fourth and 17 points behind the leaders, Real Madrid.
Their recent form has been inconsistent, with just three wins in their last eight outings across all competitions.
Their passage to the quarter-finals was secured through a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Inter Milan, following a 2-2 aggregate draw in the last-16.
Simeone, in a press conference, expressed the need for a strong performance against Dortmund, recognizing the German side’s high intensity.
“We just need to go out there and show what it takes to stay in this competition,” Simeone remarked, underlining the challenge posed by Dortmund and calling for the unwavering support of their fans.
In response to potential security threats, Spain’s government officials announced enhanced security measures for the Champions League matches in Madrid, amidst concerns of Islamic State threats.
Atletico’s challenge is compounded by their quarter-final opponent’s formidable performance in the group stages and their own inconsistent away form, though their record at the Metropolitano stadium offers some solace.
The team has lost only two home matches this season, both to Real Madrid, with Antoine Griezmann’s exceptional form being a key factor until his recent ankle injury.
Griezmann’s absence was felt as he missed several matches, including international fixtures, to ensure his recovery for the season’s crucial fixtures.
“We need the best Griezmann, there’s no doubt,” Simeone stated, highlighting the forward’s importance to the team’s ambitions.
With an eye on the critical week ahead, Simeone stressed the collective effort required from his squad to navigate through this challenging period successfully.