Image Credits: Imago Images
Atlético Madrid are back in the Champions League knockouts proper after a 7-4 aggregate win over Club Brugge. The first leg finished 3-3, with the Spanish giants blowing their Belgium counterparts 4-1 in the return leg.
For Liverpool, watching on from afar, the result has immediate relevance: the Reds could now be paired with Atlético in the last‑16 draw, or alternatively face one of Galatasaray or Juventus depending on how their tie goes this Wednesday evening.
The Reds have faced off against Atletico plenty of times in the Champions League, from getting knocked out by Simeone in the 2019/20 season to the recent 3-2 win at Anfield in this edition’s league phase.
But while supporters are already mapping out potential routes to the latter stages, Simeone himself is keen to keep the focus firmly on his own dressing room:
“There’s a huge amount of work behind these results, which are starting to be more positive than negative,” the Argentinean manager said post-match via Marca.
Many players have come in over the last two seasons, and reinventing ourselves isn’t easy. When you see the substitutes come on… I still get emotional. When I see that commitment, I feel a strong connection. I’m very proud of the guys. We came up against a team that plays well, that eliminated Atlanta last year… We were better in the second half.”
“Without a doubt, it’s extremely important for the club, both financially and globally, but we want more. Hopefully, we have the ability, the talent, and the energy to go further.”
He then added that his thoughts are not on Liverpool or Tottenham at the moment:
“We’re not thinking about Liverpool or Tottenham. Getting back to the round of 16 is very important. Let’s see if we can improve and advance. The lads have been playing a ton of games.”
For now, Simeone isn’t looking at Liverpool – but the draw could ensure that Liverpool have to look very closely at him once again.
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