Atlético de Madrid faces RB Salzburg tonight starting at 21:00, aiming to enter the top-8. The red and whites are currently fifth in this last Champions League matchday, so they depend on themselves. They are two points ahead of the ninth-placed team, so a draw might be enough to advance directly to the round of 16.
However, the red and whites don't want to rely on other results and will go all out for the victory. They will face an opponent that has only managed three points in this group stage and has conceded 23 goals in seven matches. Atlético de Madrid is the clear favorite, but in the Champions League, any team can complicate things for you.
Manolo Lama's keys
Last night, during the broadcast of Partidazo de COPE, Manolo Lama addressed the topic of Atlético de Madrid, giving his point of view. "It's a psychological final, people say that Atleti fails when it comes to the moment of truth, well tomorrow is a moment of truth. The match, which in theory is simple, football-wise, but there's always a psychological side."
The famous journalist continued talking about this topic: "The only problem I see for Atlético is the mental aspect. Otherwise, football-wise we already saw Salzburg last week against Madrid, as soon as they scored the first, they could have conceded 12." With these words, Manolo Lama ended his intervention about the match Atlético de Madrid will play.
A great opportunity
Despite initially having a very difficult time entering the top eight, Simeone's team now has a unique opportunity. They have managed to win two epic matches against high-level opponents like PSG and Bayer Leverkusen and have shown strength against lesser teams. Now, only the last step remains, securing the round of 16 spot in a match where they are heavy favorites.
Diego Pablo Simeone knows the importance of this match and of saving a knockout round in the Champions League. That's why he will go all out in search of an important victory.