Simeone Warns Atletico Madrid Ahead of Stuttgart Champions League Clash
Atlético Madrid take a six-game winning run to Stuttgart on Tuesday, but Diego Simeone has warned his players that their recent results will mean nothing at the MHP Arena.
The Champions League Matchday 3 fixture will be the first competitive encounter between Atlético and Stuttgart. The visitors are chasing just their second win in a Champions League group stage or league phase match in Germany, while Stuttgart have won each of their opening two European games.
Form brings Atlético to Germany
- Atlético began their current surge with victories across domestic and European competition.
- They beat Manchester United 2-0 in Europe before leaving Espanyol with a 1-0 La Liga success.
- Alex Baena settled the Espanyol game with a late, high-quality winner, taking the midfielder to five goals and three assists from 11 appearances this season.
- Now Simeone’s team head to Stuttgart looking to extend a perfect six-match sequence and take three more Champions League points.
Simeone expects a demanding test
Simeone said the praise surrounding Atlético’s form would disappear as soon as the match begins. “They will soon forget what they are praising and judge us on what we do tomorrow,” he said.
The Atlético coach expects Stuttgart to pose a major physical and tactical problem, particularly through their work without the ball.
“It is a difficult match against a strong, physical side that knows very well how to press in the opposition half,” Simeone said. “They go man for man and can also defend very deep. We have to move the game into areas where we believe we can damage them.”
Stuttgart ready for European heavyweight
Stuttgart forward Ermedin Demirovic, the club’s leading scorer in this season’s Champions League with four goals, is relishing the visit of the Spanish side.
“We are facing a genuine powerhouse,” Demirovic said. “The Champions League is special. I can take energy from it because I have already shown what can be achieved.”
Head coach Sebastian Hoeness also recognised the size of the assignment, calling Atlético one of Europe’s leading teams and saying Stuttgart want to measure themselves against that standard.
Atlético target silverware
Defender David Hancko said Atlético are determined to turn last season’s close calls into trophies. The club fell short in both the Cup and the Champions League, and Hancko said the squad’s objective this time is to go further and win a title.
Baena’s form gives Simeone another major attacking weapon, but Atlético will need to overcome Stuttgart’s pressing and defensive discipline if their winning streak is to survive in Germany.
