Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has highlighted the new Champions League format’s emphasis on securing wins, following his team’s hard-fought 2-1 victory against RB Leipzig on Thursday. The new league phase format, where 36 teams compete in eight matches each, demands a more aggressive approach, pushing teams to fight for every point.
“This format forces us to win. Today a draw is of little use… if we can’t (win), we will have to get something out of it,” Simeone stated to Movistar after the 2-1 home win in their campaign opener.
The European top-flight has transitioned from the traditional group stage to a league phase, with the top eight teams directly advancing to the next round, while the remaining 16 teams enter a two-legged playoff.
“I’m totally satisfied, the match was very good. I’d have said the same with a draw. We played the game in different ways and with different players. “The players interpreted it well and we won a necessary game… what we imagined happened. We controlled 80% of the game.”
Atletico, who are undefeated this season across all competitions, will next face Benfica in Portugal for their next Champions League fixture on October 2.
“It’ll be another battle,” Simeone added.
