Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven have drawn finalist from two years ago Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.
- By Amos Abuga
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PSV booked their place in the first knockout round last Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over CSKA Moscow, which saw them finish ahead of English giants Manchester United in the group. With Phillip Cocu’s side finishing second PSV knew they would face one of the group winners in the last 16, and in Monday’s draw they have been paired with Atletico Madrid.
Cocu told UEFA his thoughts on the draw, “It’s a great tie and we have to do our utmost to hit our peak and get to the required level. I can understand why Atlético weren’t really coveted by our fans; a lot of people see Barcelona and Bayern as world-class because those are the sides that catch the eye. For a lot of fans Atlético aren’t that yet, but they have performed superbly in recent years and reached a very high level. They are a true unit, defensively extremely solid. They give few chances away and are physically strong. It is a very tough draw, but at the same time a fantastic challenge again.”
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeon says PSV have had a great season so far in the champions league and will therefore not be taken lightly.
“Its like they play two different teams on in the league and another in Europe, you have to be cautious with such a team,”said the Argentine.
“For us the first leg will be more significant and we will go for a positive result,” explained Simeon whose side came close lifting the title against arch rivals real Madrid two years ago.
The first leg takes place in Eindhoven on the 24th of February with the return leg two weeks later.
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Amos is a Kenyan who is passionate with sports but has a bias for football. Currently doing his MBA course from the Greenwich and Saxion Universities. follow him on Twitter @AMOKC1oo1
