Simeone: "We’ll need to pay attention and play with balance"

On the criticism from their opponent to the team's intensity in the game, Simeone said, "I do not dwell on those assessments. We’re going to play against a great rival, very strong, powerful, with a packed stadium because of the cheap tickets, which will make people be able to cheer. Hopefully, we can live a strong pressure environment, as players prefer in these types of matches."

Regarding whether they are the favourite because of the 2-0 result in the first leg and for not having lost to Real Madrid in the last four matches, Atlético’s coach said "We have a positive result but playing against the world champion and the Champions League winner, we to have pay attention and play with great balance. But the fans outside the field don’t play. It’s those inside who play, and they’re better than those on the outside."

He made it clear that: "I can't imagine a calm match. I imagine it very intense at the start, with a lot of adrenaline, a lot of back-and-forth and counterattacks from both teams. Surely losing the ball in the midfield could be beneficial for the rival. I imagine a game in which the players will not wait until the 80th minute to resolve."