Atlético qualifies eighth for the fifth time in six years

Atlético de Madrid are in the second round of the Champions League with a day of group stage to play. The 2-0 win over Monaco secured the ticket and, at the expense of what Borussia Dortmund does in prime time, could end up in first position if he manages to beat Bruges on the last date.

This will be the fifth appearance of the Rojiblancos in the round of eighteen finals of the last six years. Something they had not even dreamed of before the arrival of Diego Simeone in Manzanares in 2011, it is "normal" today.

As a result, the early eliminations of the previous season, during which they could not pass the group stage, still have an echo in the metropolitan area of ​​Wanda.

"Last season, we obviously could not find the way to the goal and when that happens in this competition, it's very complicated," Simeone recalled after the match played Wednesday in Madrid.

The current season could not be further from this winding road, even if it ended well after the conquest of the Europa League. Until now, said the Cholo, they mark a satisfying step for Argentina after four wins and one defeat.

"Until today, we have made a very good Champions League.Today, we are back in the second round, it is a very important joy.We will see later which side will touch us

We had to take this step. Since we started Champions, we have entered into the clarity of ideas as a result of what had happened to us and we have made a very equal number of Champions, "said the coach.

Although his team craves the "big" prize and fans dream of a third final in four years – and a remarkable symbolism as it will be played at home – Simeone maintains that there is still too much "far", with three very difficult eliminations between, think of the title.

"The little truth (final) .It is very far.Take the final here but it is useless to imagine and hope, the reality is what matters and will be what we deserve", did he declare.

Regarding the performance of his team against the France team, he was satisfied with the "first 70 minutes" during which his men had control of the match. "Until the 70th minute, we interpreted very well how to do damage by looking for spaces where there was obviously little because they were locked up." After running out of energy, they grew up and obviously complicated us in the end, "said Simeone.