Tonight's match won't be the most demanding for Atlético de Madrid, but it is one of the most important due to their possible aspirations for the Champions League. Salzburg has been one of the weakest teams in the tournament, conceding many goals and being out of contention for qualification very early. In fact, they suffered a heavy defeat at Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid in the last matchday, giving many defensive opportunities.
Even so, the Austrian team's coach, Thomas Letsch, was very confident in the pre-match press conference and hopes to see the best version of his players. Obviously, he also had words of praise for the Atlético team, which could enter directly into the round of 16. It is not the first time Simeone and his players visit Salzburg, the last time being in the season when they managed to win LaLiga in Valladolid.
A Salzburg without options
Surely, today's match for Atlético de Madrid is not the most demanding, but many consider it a trap because of the opponent. Salzburg is already completely eliminated and hasn'thing at stake against the red-and-white team, something that can be dangerous. Yesterday, their coach already admitted that he expects to see a good version of his players, highlighting the little positive from the match against Real Madrid.
The last time the Atlético team visited Salzburg was the 2020-21 season, winning both matches and ending the season lifting the league title. Something similar even happened in the 2013-14 season, although on that occasion they visited another Austrian team, Rapid Vienna. Meanwhile, it is the last opportunity for the team led by Thomas Letsch to show their best version before saying farewell definitively to this edition of the Champions League.
Praise for Atlético de Madrid
"It is a team that has consolidated over the years, that defends well and has the potential to win titles and is undoubtedly one of the favorites," he explained. "We don't expect them to push the attack line much forward, but to attack based on a strong defensive block," he said about Simeone's approach. It should be noted that Atlético de Madrid has achieved a full set of victories since that surprising defeat at the Metropolitano against Lille.
It is important to note that all matches will be played at the same time to avoid any possibility of fraud. It is also relevant to know that the position in which you finish will be decisive once the draws in the competition rounds are made. For now, everything remains to be decided, as there are great teams that could still be left out if they don't win this last matchday.