After shock defeat to Olympiakos in the first group match, Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin says tonight’s tie against Juventus is crucial for their campaign
Madrid: Diego Godin has described today's Champions League clash with Juventus as a "final" for Atletico Madrid.
Diego Godin
The Spanish champions suffered a shock 3-2 loss at Olympiakos in their opening game in Group A, while the Bianconeri kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Malmo.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Serie A titleholders have been in sensational form so far this season, winning all six of their games in all competitions without conceding a goal, and Godin is well aware of the size of the challenge awaiting Atletico at the Vicente Calderon.
"Juventus have very good forwards and a great midfield," he told reporters yesterday.
"We will have to work as a team as usual. We must be focused, together and play with intensity. "This is a final for us but we are used to play finals every week. We will have to play with intensity in defence and be creative in attack to beat (Juve goalkeeper Gigi) Buffon.
Atletico Madrid players train on the eve of their Champions League clash against Juventus. Pic/AFP
"Juventus have been winning titles in recent years and they are doing well this season." Meanwhile, Diego Simeone's men appear to have rediscovered their defensive solidity in the past week with back-to-back wins and clean sheets, including an impressive 4-0 thrashing of the previously unbeaten Sevilla at the weekend.
Simeone returns
Simeone's return to the touchline after a six-game ban in all competitions appeared to galvanise the team and supporters alike, and the Argentine has called on the fans to recreate the atmosphere for the visit of Juventus.
"The atmosphere is what we need in all the games at the Calderon," he said. "There was a perfect communion between what the team offered and what the fans experience in the stadium." Atletico have managed to beat Real Madrid twice already this season in LA Liga and Spanish Super Cup.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
