Diego Simeone claims no added Champions League burden for Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid has made it to three European Cup finals over the years two of which came during Simeoones almost 15 year spell but they have yet to claim the continents premier trophy. They stand alone as the side that has dropped three finals without ever securing a victory in the event.

This campaign has brought scant joy on the home front with the team sitting fourth in LaLiga 25 points adrift of frontrunners Barcelona and long since eliminated from contention for the crown by January.

A penalty shootout loss against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey decider just under a fortnight back has positioned the Champions League as Atleticos last chance for hardware this term and they might be staring down the barrel of five straight seasons without a trophy.

Still Simeone refused to dwell on previous setbacks after losses to Bayern Munich in 1974 and Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016 in the showpiece of Europes top club showdown.

There is no burden just a feeling of duty and a unique thrill he stated at a media briefing on Tuesday.

Ultimately it boils down to a football fixture and the players determine the result. Preparation is key. We aim to deliver the performance we have in mind and steer the contest toward moments where we can unsettle Arsenal.

When quizzed if the tournament was due Atletico a break following three final heartbreaks Simeone responded We are all people. Opinions vary if you poll us. Yet no tournament is indebted to any club.

Success demands effort and merit. You must grind compete seize opportunities and trust fortune favours you.

The coach from Argentina highlighted Atleticos tactics in latest elimination rounds as their strongest suit.

Our efforts in the cup ties be it domestic or continental mean playing with vigour our distinctive approach and proactive mindset. That is our plan he added.

For a team pursuing their initial Champions League success there might be a lure to fantasise yet Simeone favours action over illusions.

Dreaming has its place but the truth unfolds on the pitch. Truth is our actions and divine will. That guides us he noted.

We are back in a semi final. Reaching this stage for the fourth occasion in 14 years is remarkable. It is astounding.

That belief that buzz that contagious energy will serve us well. We face a stern test but we travel with optimism.