Diego Simeone hopes to rely on Antoine Griezmann and the Metropolitano to turn things for Atletico Madrid against Inter Milan.
This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.
Atletico Madrid do not exactly have a “mountain to climb” against Inter tomorrow.
But there is no doubt that the Colchoneros are far from favourites to go on to the quarterfinals after the first leg of their round of sixteen tie.
Inter won the first leg fairly convincingly. If there was one positive for Atletico to take, it was that the Nerazzurri did not win by a wider margin than 1-0 despite having had chances to do so.
Therefore, Atletico will almost certainly need a better performance in the second leg.
But Simeone could be hoping that a couple of factors can provoke exactly that.
Simeone Hoping Griezmann & Atletico Turn Things Around For Atletico Madrid Vs Inter
One big factor will be French striker Griezmann.
The 32-year-old will perhaps not be at his best physically. He is only just returning from an ankle sprain and could reportedly be playing through some pain.
But Griezmann is always a player who gives Atletico something that no other player can.
The Frenchman has been the Colchoneros’ man for the big occasion in the Champions League on many occasions in the past.
Whilst Griezmann has yet to win a league title with Atletico, it has been on the European stage that he has really shone with big goals and moments.
And Simeone will hope that the Frenchman does so yet again.
And then there is the matter of Atletico’s home stadium, the Metropolitano. The Nerazzurri have proven their fortitude in tough away tests last season.
But Atletico can get a lift from their fans.
The question that will remain to be answered is whether it is enough.
