Diego Simeone insists Atletico Madrid must win their next two Champions League games if they want to have a chance of a top eight finish.
Atletico are currently eighth in the league standings with 12 points, but they are only one ahead of the chasing pack in terms of goals scored, with just four points separating third from 20th in the crowded table.
Their last two games at this stage see them take on Galatasaray before hosting Bodo/Glimt in their final match on January 28.
Last season, Simeone’s side finished fifth in the table, avoiding the play-offs, but were eliminated in the round of 16 in controversial circumstances by rivals Real Madrid.
But the Argentinian still wants to avoid adding two extra matches to the calendar, and he knows that with less than six points there is a risk of him falling out of the rankings.
“We have to win both games; a draw and a win are not enough,” Simeone told reporters on Wednesday ahead of the game against Galatasaray.
“There are very strong teams, there are many important teams in this group, who want to avoid having to play another qualifying round.
“It’s difficult for everyone because it’s very tight. Others will win and the demands will be extremely high to be among the top eight.”
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This will be the seventh time that Galatasaray and Atletico have faced each other in Europe, with the Spanish side remaining unbeaten in their previous six matches (W4 D2).
Atletico have won 10 of their last 13 Champions League games overall (L3), although all three defeats in this run have come in their last four away games (W1).
However, against Turkish sides, Atleti have won each of their last four away games in European competitions, the most recent being a 2-0 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League in September 2015.
Simeone remains wary of the threat his side face at RAMS Park, especially with Victor Osimhen back in the host team following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
“The opponent has very good players in attack. Osimhen is back, they have two wingers in great form. [Ilkay] Gündogan in midfield, whose quality we know,” said Simeone.
“I see a very competitive team and we will try to take the game to a point where we think we can hurt them.
“Their work has been incredible and has kept their position for so long. Think of that team [from the 2015 game] and today there are differences because the players are different.
“The atmosphere, this stadium… I love it, the energy of the city, the people… They convey the best thing about football: passion.”
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