Atlético vs Leicester: pre-match view from an Atléti fan
Atlético Madrid and Leicester City clash at the Calderón on Wednesday, AS English spoke to a fan of the Madrid side ahead of the Champions League quarter-final.
AS English spoke to Atlético Madrid supporter Billy Edwards, who writes for website Atlético Fans, with the Champions League quarter-final against Leicester looming.
Billy is a regular at the Calderón, and was in San Siro as Atléti were pipped to European Glory last year.
In terms of form, is it fair to say that Atlético are riding the crest of a wave at the moment?
I think we're coming into form at the right time. We've proved this season that we can still perform on the big occasions, but at times have looked uncharacteristically vulnerable in defence.
However, since Jan Oblak's return from injury the team looks to have rediscovered their solidity and confidence, and are starting to resemble the Atléti that made two Champions League finals again.
Atlético have recorded under 40% possession in each of their last four matches. Will Simeone alter his tactics, given that Leicester are also a team more comfortable without the ball?
As we know, both teams set up similarly. That said, it wouldn't surprise me if Atlético look to take the initiative, at least in the first leg. I'm sure that Simeone has looked at Leicester's result in Seville and will want to avoid having it all to do at The King Power next week.
Some might say this plays into Leicester’s hands, given their threat on the counter. But we are the favourites, the team with experience at this level, and if we play like we can both in defence and attack, I think we're capable of getting the result we want.
It could be the last European night at the Calderón. How will that affect the atmosphere?
I don't think this will play on fans' minds too much. To coin Cholo's famous phrase, we have to take it match by match and focus only on getting the win.
The atmosphere on big European nights is always special and tomorrow will be no different.
During Simeone's tenure, Atléti have endured Champions League heartbreak. Will this be a weight on their shoulders, or will it serve as motivation?
Both factors come into play, but I think it's definitely more of a motivation. For Simeone, the Champions League is an obsession, he wants it more than anything else. The fans and the players share that.
We have a chance this year, and despite the Champions League final losses, I have no doubt that the mentality in the squad is strong enough to have another go at it. If we have luck on our side, who knows...
Leicester were the team every team in the hat wanted to be drawn against. Did you share this view?
Leicester are here on merit. You don't win the Premier League and make the quarter-finals of the Champions League without being a good side, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to draw them over Bayern or Real Madrid, for example.
Still, they are possibly the worst match up possible for us in terms of style. Leicester will be full of belief given their recent form, and what they did to Sevilla. Nobody is taking them lightly, I'm expecting a real battle over the two legs.
Score predictions
First leg: 1-0 to Atlético.
Second leg: 1-1
I think Atléti will win narrowly in the Calderón and grind out a draw in the second leg.