Fernando Torres says that Real Madrid can be punished on the counter-attack and Atletico Madrid should be aware of this aspect when they travel to the Santiago Bernebeu for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
The first leg ended as a disappointing 0-0 draw at the Vicente Calderon, but it was positive news for Atletico. They can now score an away goal at the Santiago Bernebeu and it would force Real to search for two in reply. Even though the home team will be the favourites to progress, Atletico have had a stronghold against their much illustrious rivals this season.
The duo have played each other seven times already this campaign and Atletico have stayed unbeaten in all of these matches. This unbeaten tag was preserved even into 2015 due to goals from the likes of Fernando Torres, who returned to the club in the January transfer window. Ahead of the second leg, Torres says that Atletico can feel confident about the tie against Real Madrid. Real do have to keep one eye on the la Liga title while Atletico can fully prepare and focus on this Champions League match. This may prove decisive. Torres has not yet opened his account in the Champions League this season.
“Every game we play against them is a different story and I think this one will be because of the first leg result. It was strange as it was neither good nor bad for both sides. I hope this match goes the way we want it to and I’m expecting an offensive Real Madrid, yet they can’t go mad because 0-0 means they mustn’t concede. However, I think they will attack so we need to be ready to attack and defend. I feel more comfortable when we have a good defensive block and there is space I can run in to,” said Torres.