Atletico de Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes his side is coming up against the most feared side in Europe when they take on Real Madrid tomorrow.
Los Blancos have begun 2014 in blistering form, and recently defeated Los Rojiblancos in the two-legged Copa del Rey semi-final. They sent out a warning sign to the rest of those involved in the Champions League this week by thrashing Schalke 6-1 in the first-leg of their last 16 tie.
And speaking to journalists ahead of the game at the Vicente Calderon, Simeone said his team is coming up against a formidable force. Atletico are looking to do the league double over Real for the first time in 63 years having already won at the Santiago Bernabeu back in September thanks to a Diego Costa goal.
Simeone said: “They put in a great game [in Gelsenkirchen] and they’ll be visiting the Vicente Calderon after an emphatic win. They are the league leaders and they’re hitting form. Right now, Madrid are the most feared side in Europe.
“The favourites are the ones who are top of the table, so it’s only logical that the team which is top of the standings is the better side.”
He went on to say Carlo Ancelotti’s men is full of quality and can score at any time.
“The best thing about Real Madrid is how they play as a unit. They have some fantastic individual players who reinforce a side which is very well-balanced.”
