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In-form Atlético wary of PSV sucker punch

The recent form of Atlético and Antoine Griezmann is cause for confidence, but Diego Simeone cautions against underestimating a PSV side with attacking strength.

Antoine Griezmann is running hot for Atlético
Antoine Griezmann is running hot for Atlético ©AFP/Getty Images
  • Diego Simeone wary of PSV on counterattack and from dead-ball situations
  • PSV have lost just once in 25 outings; Atleti are unbeaten in eight
  • Antoine Griezmann has scored in all four of his Liga outings since the first leg
  • Top scorer Luuk de Jong returns from suspension but Gastón Pereiro is banned
  • First leg in Eindhoven ended goalless despite red card for PSV's Pereiro

Possible lineups
Atlético: Oblak; Juanfran, Giménez, Godín, Filipe Luís; Koke, Gabi, Carrasco, Saúl; Griezmann, Fernando Torres.
Out: Tiago (knee), Savić (calf)
Doubtful: none
Misses next match if booked: Óliver Torres

Luuk de Jong: 25 goals for PSV this season
Luuk de Jong: 25 goals for PSV this season©Getty Images

PSV: Zoet; Arias, Bruma, Moreno, Willems; Guardado, Pröpper, Van Ginkel; Narsingh, De Jong, Locadia.
Out: Pereiro (suspended), Poulsen (calf)
Doubtful: none
Misses next match if booked: Bruma, Guardado

Diego Simeone, Atlético coach
The team is in decent shape. We have been going well in recent matches and we expect to continue that way on Tuesday. I hope Griezmann continues responding to the team needs as he has been doing and like the rest of the squad. We have to score one goal more than our opponents.

We are thinking of playing a 4-3-3 and we will try to make sure the match plays to our strengths. PSV are good on the counterattack; they play very well with space, their second line is dangerous and they are good at dead-ball situations. [Luuk] de Jong is an important player and the main point of reference for his team.

First-leg highlights: PSV 0-0 Atlético

Phillip Cocu, PSV coach
We want to advance in the competition and we don't mind if it comes via a penalty shoot-out. Playing for 0-0 isn't easy, though. We have to play football, not only defend. We'll give our all. It's our chance to advance and it won't be easy but we need to believe. We have to fight for a win or draw.

We have played many games against great teams in big stadiums. The atmosphere should give the players extra energy even if the fans are not supporting them. There is such intensity in this stadium, and Simeone has ramped it up in recent years.

PSV's Youth league side do the skills challenge

Weekend results
Atlético
3-0 Deportivo (Saúl Ñíguez 18, Griezmann 60, Correa 83)
Simeone's side remain anchored in second place in Spain. Saúl Ñíguez headed their opener and Antoine Griezmann struck for the fourth match in succession before captain Gabi set up the third for fit-again Ángel Correa.

PSV 1-1 Heerenveen (Te Vrede 53; De Jong 56)
PSV's ten-game Eredivisie winning streak came to an end, though they responded smartly to going behind, Luuk de Jong heading in Luciano Narsingh's cross for his 19th league goal of the season. It keeps PSV top ahead of Sunday's meeting with second-placed Ajax.

Griezmann celebrates against Depor
Griezmann celebrates against Depor©AFP/Getty Images

Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Atlético: WWWWDD
PSV: DWWDWW

Reporter's view: Joe Walker (@UEFAcomJoeW)
Simeone will be confident that his side, who have lost just twice in 27 UEFA Champions League home games, can make it through. The Rojiblancos will look to in-form Griezmann to fire them through to a third consecutive quarter-final but their watertight back line, who have shipped just three in the competition thus far, must be wary of the returning Luuk de Jong. He has 19 goals in 26 league games this season.

Did you know?
• Atlético have lost all four two-legged ties they have contested with Dutch clubs but have won four of the five home games. Our match background has more.