Simeone believes Atletico Madrid are on a par with Real Madrid
Cholo Simeone believes his side are now on a par with Real Madrid as he prepares his side for the visit or Zidane's side on Saturday. <ul> <li> <a href=" http://en.as.com/en/2017/05/02/football/1493711828_941024.html" title="Real Madrid - Atletico Madrid live online: Champions League 2017 Semifinals">Champions League: Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid</a> </li> </ul>
Diego Simeone believes Atletico Madrid can now count themselves as equals when facing Real Madrid in the last La Liga derby at Atletico's Vicente Calderon stadium on Saturday.
Simeone has overseen a dramatic turnaround in Atletico's fortunes since taking over nearly five years ago, including ending a 14-year winless streak against Real to win the Copa del Rey in 2013.
Recent record suggest Simeone is right
Since then Atletico have lost two Champions League finals to Real, but haven't lost in their last six league meetings with the European champions.
"We believe in our own strengths, we know our own virtues and, above all, our own deficiencies," said Simeone on Friday.
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"We know there was a long time when they were better than us and nowadays we compete on a par with them.
"It is obvious one match is not a league, it is just one match and anything can happen."