Diego Simeone, coach of Atlético Madrid, stated before his team’s match against Czech side Sparta Prague on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League that the new format of the competition means things are not easy for any team.
Under the new league-phase format, 36 teams compete, with each team playing against eight different opponents. This phase replaces the group stage, where each team used to play six matches (three at home and three away).
The top eight teams advance directly to the Round of 16, while the next 16 teams compete in a two-legged playoff round to secure the remaining eight spots.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Simeone said:
“From what the results are showing and what is happening in the matches, I see that this system requires everyone to be more alert. Once we progress and this first trial run ends, we will have a clearer idea of what we truly think about it. There is always pressure to win; this has been the case in the past too. But now, the competition is a league format where everyone plays against everyone, and it’s not easy for anyone.”
Atlético Madrid seems to still be adapting to the change, with two wins and two losses placing them 23rd in the 36-team table—currently within the playoff qualification zone.
In their last match, Atlético turned a one-goal deficit into a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, thanks to a late goal by Ángel Correa.
Simeone, who recently celebrated his 700th match as a coach, said:
“The Champions League demands a lot from you. Winning requires so much.”
Sparta Prague, who are fourth in the Czech league, have won just one of their first four Champions League matches and only one of their last seven games in all competitions.
