Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says the new Champions League format “forces us to win”. The new-look 36-team league phase of Europe’s elite club competition commenced this week, replacing the previous group stage format.

The new Champions League format forces teams to go for the win, Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone said after his side fought back from a deficit to grab a late 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Thursday.

RB Leipzig started off their Champions League campaign with a deserved defeat against Atletico Madrid. After just four minutes, Leipzig took the lead through Benjamin Seško who headed in a parry

Diego Simeone's side still suffer from the hurt of losing two finals to Real Madrid, but hope and expectations are on the rise

Atletico Madrid begins its 2024–25 Champions League campaign against one of its toughest opponents, RB Leipzig. Diego Simeone welcomed Robin Le Normand, Alexander Sørloth and Julián Alvarez to Madrid with the hope of building a squad capable of challenging for the Spanish and European crowns.

Atlético Madrid left it late on Thursday night before José Giménez’s 90th-minute winner secured all three points in a 2-1 win over RB Leipzig.Goals from Antoine Griezmann and Benjamin Sesko

Diego Simeone believes the new UEFA Champions League format will force teams to try and win more games.Atletico Madrid kicked off their European campaign with a 2-1 home win over Bundesliga side RB