Diego Simeone downplays Atletico's chances in Champions League vs struggling Spurs

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has dismissed suggestions that his side are favourites for tonight's UEFA Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Tottenham Hotspur at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Diego Simeone rejects favourites tag for Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham

In his pre-match press conference on Monday, the Argentine coach insisted Tottenham should carry the tag due to their stronger performance in the competition's league phase, where they finished fourth, while Atletico advanced through the play-offs. He said:

“We are not favorites vs Spurs. Remember Tottenham came 4th in the league phase, we came through the play-offs”.

The 55-year-old added:

“It’s clear that we are not favorites”.

Despite Tottenham's ongoing domestic struggles near the Premier League relegation zone, Simeone refused to underestimate the English club ahead of the high-stakes knockout encounter.

The comments form part of Simeone's classic tactical approach, often framing his team as underdogs to relieve pressure and sharpen focus. Atletico, currently positioned solidly in La Liga's upper reaches, boasts a proven European pedigree under the long-serving boss, including deep runs in past Champions League campaigns.

Tottenham, managed by Igor Tudor, arrives amid a difficult season marked by injuries and inconsistent results, yet their league-phase standing in Europe's premier club competition provides a clear benchmark that Simeone highlighted to counter any assumptions of home dominance.

The tie promises intensity from the outset, with Atletico relying on their trademark defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat at home. Tottenham will aim to exploit any overconfidence, drawing on their pacey style that Simeone acknowledged as characteristic of Premier League sides. With the second leg to follow at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, tonight's result could prove decisive in determining which team progresses to the quarter-finals.

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