Xabi Alonso insisted Bayer Leverkusen had to fight in their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid to keep their hopes of a top eight finish alive.
Alonso's side sit fourth in the new 36-team league table and know a win on Tuesday will put them in a strong position to automatically qualify for the knockout stages.
Leverkusen have been in good form of late, recording 11 consecutive wins in all competitions as they chased leaders Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
They have also impressed in the Champions League, with only Liverpool (five) winning more games to nil than Leverkusen (four) in the league this season.
Only Atalanta (ten) has kept more clean sheets since the start of last season than the Bundesliga (nine) in a major European competition.
But Diego Simeone's side have Champions League ambitions of their own, with Atletico in 11th place but just a point behind Leverkusen.
“We want to be in the top eight,” Alonso said at a press conference on Monday. “That is our short-term goal. We're close, but not that close.
“We have to fight for it and winning tomorrow's match is fundamental for us, but also for them.
“We have to wait and see how things develop tomorrow. If we don't score, it will be more difficult. We have to do our best and fight for victory at all costs because we have a big chance in front of us.
“The more we have a clear idea of the match and the moment it demands, the better. Because we all know how the Metropolitano Stadium lights up in matches like this, and we have to control that, be prepared for the pressure.”
“The team (Leverkusen) is at a good time. The players are convinced of what we are doing.”
Atletico were also in good form ahead of Saturday's defeat to Leganes, with Simeone's side having won each of their last 15 games in all competitions.
They sit second in the LaLiga standings, two points behind rivals Real Madrid, who moved them into top spot this weekend after their win over Las Palmas.
“We are both at a good time,” Alonso added. “Atlético, despite the last defeat, are in great form and you can see many reasons why they are so strong.
“This is perhaps Atletico's best team of the last decade, they can rotate in all three competitions and the team is still functioning well. They are ready to achieve big ambitions.”
“In LaLiga they will fight to the end, in the Copa del Rey they will be in the quarter-finals (against Getafe) and tomorrow will be as difficult a challenge as possible.”
Alonso also distanced himself from rumors linking him with a return to Real Madrid, a club where he won five major honors in his 236 appearances for them as a player.
Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti was under pressure after his side's 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final earlier this month.
“I can't tell you anything. We are in the middle of the season and all the clubs have big goals,” said Alonso.
“Over the years, time passes, but the affection (between Real Madrid and me) remains. That relationship is unforgettable, and we are grateful for it because the bond is very strong.
“It was a very nice period as a player, they were very intense years. We struggled to get what we wanted, and it was a great celebration when we got it.
“(The rumors) don't bother me, it doesn't surprise me, and I'm prepared for it. It's an honor to be mentioned.
“But I'm worried about the match against Atleti, we have enough on our plate.”
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