The Champions League’s new format is tougher than its predecessor was, Diego Simeone mentioned forward of Atletico Madrid’s journey to Sparta Prague.
Every of the 36 groups in Europe’s premier membership competitors should play eight group-phase video games, with the highest eight sides qualifying for the final 16 and the following 16 within the standings collaborating in playoffs to resolve who joins them.
On the midway level within the first section, Atleti are a lowly twenty third with six factors, two factors and three locations above Tuesday’s opponents.
The likes of Bayern Munich, Actual Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain additionally discover themselves seventeenth or decrease, whereas shock packages Sporting CP, Monaco, Brest and Aston Villa are flying excessive within the high eight.
Simeone believes the change in format has had a serious impact this season, with the Opta supercomputer now giving his group a 55% probability of reaching the final 16 and only a 1% chance of lifting the trophy.
“From what the outcomes are exhibiting us, and what occurs within the video games, I perceive that this format invitations everybody to pay much more consideration,” Simeone mentioned on Monday.
“As soon as we transfer ahead and this primary expertise is over, we could have a clearer thought of what we actually assume.
“They all the time put stress on you to win. That occurred earlier than too, however now it’s a league the place everybody performs towards everybody, and it isn’t simple for anybody.”
Atletico boosted their hopes of avoiding elimination as they got here from behind to win 2-1 at Paris Saint-Germain on matchday 4, courtesy of a last-gasp purpose from Angel Correa.
“The Champions League calls for essentially the most from you. It forces you to win,” mentioned Simeone, who celebrated his 700th sport as Atletico head coach final weekend.
Sparta, at the moment fourth within the Czech First League, have did not win in six of their final seven matches in all competitions, however Simeone doesn’t anticipate a routine outing.
“They’re robust opponents. At dwelling they’ve a quick tempo,” Simeone added. “I can’t think about another state of affairs than taking this sport to the place we expect we will do some injury.
“It typically occurs that every one groups, at dwelling and at first of video games, present depth and energy.
“It’s logical as they’re with their followers. You need to adapt to the tempo of that begin. We’re away from dwelling and the opponent will push very laborious.”
