On Thursday at 9:05 p.m. CET, the UEFA Europa League returns to the Wanda Metropolitano. Diego Pablo Simeone and Diego Godín spoke to the press about the upcoming match against Sporting CP.

“Tomorrow, we have an important match. We’re going to play in front of our fans and in these competitions, it’s important to win the first match," Godín said.

Godin expects a tough match and knows Sporting are a quality side.

“I’ve watched Sporting a lot. They’re a very vertical team and they attack a lot from the wings," he said. "They’re having a good season in Portugal and they’re a competitive team." 

Simeone respects Sporting's coach Jorge Jesús and knows what he brings to the table.

“Sporting have a great coach, who works really well,” Simeone said. “Jorge Jesús is an important coach. I like his character and what he transmits to his teams.”

Sporting are third in the Portuguese league table and Simeone knows how they like to play.

"I’ve seen Sporting’s matches in the Champions League, Portuguese league and the Europa League. They always try to minimize the rival and make the game equal [for both teams]," he said. "They pressure well and play with a high line. They’re going to try to take advantage of their offensive power and presence in the box."

"We always look to do our best to keep on advancing in knock-out rounds."