Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone admitted metropolis rivals Actual Madrid have the extra illustrious historical past however backed his personal workforce to ship forward of their tantalising Champions League last-16 derby conflict on Tuesday.
File 15-time winners and present holders Los Blancos host Simeone’s aspect on the Santiago Bernabeu within the first leg, having eradicated them 4 occasions in little over a decade.
Actual Madrid beat Simeone’s Atletico within the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals in addition to the 2017 semi-finals, 2015 quarters and on the one different event they’ve met within the competitors, within the 1959 semis.
Atletico have by no means received the Champions League, ending as runners-up on three events, whereas Madrid are thought of the ‘kings of Europe’ and Catalan giants Barcelona have lifted the trophy 5 occasions.
“I at all times put Barcelona and Actual Madrid the place they’re due to their historical past, so nothing has modified,” Simeone advised reporters Monday.
“They each have an incredible historical past and we’re pure development, which may be very good.”
The coach stated his workforce had an opportunity to write down a brand new story on the Bernabeu.
“As we at all times relate conditions to historical past, and historical past exists, Actual Madrid’s historical past within the Champions League is extraordinary, and tomorrow we’ve got a giant alternative,” continued Simeone.
Atletico are battling with Spain’s huge two for the La Liga title and are presently second, one level behind Barca and two forward of Los Blancos.
Simeone believes the extreme home battle can have no bearing on their European tie.
“I see a sport with plenty of respect towards an ideal opponent and I believe they respect us in the identical approach,” stated the coach.
“I believe all of the earlier video games can have no impression in any respect, that is the Champions League.
“If we performed towards a workforce that wasn’t in our league, we might not get into that… I believe for the town, for Madrid, it is spectacular that Atletico and Actual Madrid are dealing with off.”
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