Simeone: New Champions League format more difficult

The new Champions League format is more difficult than its predecessor, Diego Simeone said ahead of Atletico Madrid's visit to Sparta Prague.

Each of the 36 teams in Europe's premier club competition must play eight matches in the group stage, with the top eight teams qualifying for the last 16 and the next 16 in the standings participating in the play-offs to decide who will join them adds.

Halfway through the first phase, Atleti are in a lowly 23rd place with six points, two points and three places above Tuesday's opponents.

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also ranked 17th or lower, while surprise packages Sporting CP, Monaco, Brest and Aston Villa are flying high in the top eight.

Simeone believes the change in format has had a major effect this season, with the Opta supercomputer now giving his team a 55% chance of reaching the last 16 and just a 1% chance of lifting the trophy.

“From what the results show us and what happens in the games, I understand that this format invites everyone to pay even more attention,” Simeone said on Monday.

'Once we move on and this first experience is over, we will have a clearer picture of what we are really thinking.

“They always put pressure on you to win. That used to happen, but now it's a competition where everyone plays against everyone, and that's not easy for anyone.”

Atletico boosted their hopes of avoiding elimination when they came from behind to win 2-1 at Paris Saint-Germain on matchday four thanks to a last-gasp goal from Angel Correa.

“The Champions League demands the most from you. It forces you to win,” said Simeone, who celebrated his 700th match as Atletico's head coach last weekend.

Sparta, currently fourth in the Czech First League, have failed to win in six of their last seven matches in all competitions, but Simeone is not expecting a routine performance.

“They are tough opponents. They have a fast pace at home,” Simeone added. “I can't imagine any other situation than taking this game to a place where we think we can do some damage.

“It often happens that all teams, at home and at the start of matches, show intensity and strength.

“It makes sense when they are with their fans. You have to adapt to the pace of that start. We are away from home and the opponent will push very hard.”