‘Madrid familiar with Atleti threat’

Emilio Butragueno believes Real Madrid’s familiarity with Atletico Madrid puts them in good stead for their Champions League quarter-final next month.

Los Blancos were paired with their city neighbours in the last four on Friday, and their former striker – now director of institutional relations at the club – is hoping that the side learn from defeats in their previous meetings this season.

“Atletico are a competitive side. We have faced each other a lot this season and know each other well,” he was quoted as saying by UEFA’s official website in response to the draw.

“They’re a side who know how to compete, they don't concede many goals, are good from set pieces and get the best out of every situation.

“We will see if we can beat them and come back for the semi-final draw. The Champions League is a different competition altogether.

“You never know if it’s an advantage playing the second leg at home. We have to be at our best because we know exactly the difficulties that we’re going to face.

“We need to be right on it if we want to go through.”

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