Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has warned his side
to take nothing for granted as they look to seal their place in the
quarter-finals of the Champions League against AC Milan on Tuesday.
The Spanish side haven't reached the last eight of
Europe's premier club competition since Simeone played for the club back in
1997.
However, they are strong favourites to progress as they
hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg thanks to Diego Costa's late winner in
the San Siro three weeks ago.
"Milan is a strong institution. They are accustomed
to playing in this competition and they have players with a lot of
talent," said Simeone.
"It is a definitive match, but it is very dangerous
despite the result in the first leg."
Milan have had a dreadful domestic season as they lie in
11th in Serie A with winning the Champions League their last realistic hope of
qualifying for the competition next season.
However, Simeone is wary that star players such as Mario
Balotelli and Kaka still have the class to make it a long night for his side at
the Vicente Calderon.
Uruguayan international Diego Godin echoed his manager's
sentiments and believes Milan's ability to rest players in their weekend defeat
to Udinese, whilst Atletico continue to fight for the La Liga title, could give
them an advantage.
"They have rested players and they have played very
well in this competition. I am sure we will see the best of Milan, but
hopefully the best Atletico Madrid too."
Godin is expected to come back into the Atletico side
along with Costa and Arda Turan as all three were suspended for Saturday's 2-0
win over Celta Vigo.
And Simeone confirmed he had no new injury worries from
that game with midfielder Tiago the only senior player unavailable due to a
broken wrist.
Culled from Sport Fans
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