Atletico Madrid’s head coach Diego Simeone has dubbed Borussia Dortmund as the toughest challenge his team could have faced in the Champions League quarter-finals, emphasizing their formidable qualities ahead of the highly anticipated clash.
Dortmund’s recent resurgence in the Bundesliga and their first-time entry into the Champions League quarter-finals since 2021 have caught the attention of Simeone, who acknowledges the threat they pose. Despite being at home in the first leg, Atletico faces a formidable task against a resolute Dortmund side aiming to advance to the semi-finals for the first time since 2017.
Simeone, a former Argentina midfielder, highlighted Dortmund’s strengths, particularly their prowess on the counter-attack and their unbeaten away record in the past four months. He described them as the “hardest opponent” due to their effectiveness in both defense and attack, emphasizing their intensity on the field.
In response, Dortmund’s coach Edin Terzic acknowledged Atletico Madrid’s renowned defensive prowess, describing it as a “new art of defending” that poses challenges for any team in the world. Terzic’s acknowledgment of Atletico’s defensive solidity underscores the mutual respect between the two sides as they prepare for the crucial encounter.
However, Dortmund faces setbacks with the absence of key players like Netherlands forward Donyell Malen due to illness and Germany midfielder Emre Can’s uncertainty due to sickness. These absences may pose challenges for Dortmund as they strive to overcome Atletico’s formidable defense and secure a positive result in the first leg.