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Godin: It’s do-or-die for Atleti

Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin feels the Champions League clash with Juventus on Wednesday will be akin to a final.

Los Rojiblancos unexpectedly lost their opening group game 3-2 away to Olympiacos, leaving them desperately in need of a win to boost their chances of advancing to the knock-out stages.

It is a situation Godin believes calls for a do-or-die approach from Atleti in front of their own fans at the Vicente Calderon.

“For us it is a final and we’ll prepare for it like the big match it is. We need all three points and playing at home we’ll be doing all we can to achieve the win,” the Uruguayan told a Press conference.

Godin was the last man to score against Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, his header in the World Cup in Brazil sending the Italians out of the competition, and since then Buffon and the Juve defence have kept five clean sheets.

“It’s obvious Juventus are solid at the back, as they have been for a few years now. We will also need to defend well while our attackers must score goals.

“They’ve had a great squad for some time but this year they have started particularly well,” noted the 28-year-old.

Atleti boss Diego Simeone has confirmed that regular goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya will take the gloves after deputy Jan Oblak underwent a tough debut against Olympiacos.

“Moya will play in goal. We didn’t take much time thinking about the goalkeeping position,” he told Canal Plus.

However, captain Gabi remains a major doubt after picking up an ankle injury in the 4-0 win over Sevilla at the weekend.

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La Liga - Club News