Fri Sep 20 06:06:55 UTC 2024: ## Atletico Madrid Boss Praises New Champions League Format After Comeback Win

**Madrid, Spain -** Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has lauded the new Champions League format, claiming it forces teams to adopt a more aggressive approach. His comments came after his side secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig in their opening match of the new season.

The new league phase, replacing the traditional group stage, features 36 teams playing eight matches each. Only the top eight teams qualify directly for the next round, while the remaining 16 teams enter a two-legged playoff.

“This format forces us to win,” said Simeone. “Today, a draw is of little use… if we can’t win, we will have to get something out of it.”

Despite the demanding nature of the format, Simeone expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their ability to adapt and secure a crucial victory. “I’m totally satisfied,” he said. “The players interpreted it well, and we won a necessary game… what we imagined happened. We controlled 80 per cent of the game.”

Atletico, currently unbeaten in all competitions this season, will face another challenge in their next Champions League match, traveling to Portugal to take on Benfica on October 2. “It’ll be another battle,” Simeone said, emphasizing the intensity of the upcoming match.

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