Atlético Madrid Must Win Both Champions League Games To Reach Top Eight, Says Simeone

Diego Simeone has made the stakes clear for Atletico Madrid, stating the team must collect six points from the final two Champions League league-phase fixtures to protect hopes of a direct last-16 place and avoid extra play-off games later in the season.

Atletico currently stand eighth in the league-phase table on 12 points, holding that position only through goals scored. The standings remain very congested, with just four points separating third from 20th, so any slip could push Simeone’s side into the group chasing play-off spots.

The schedule gives Atletico a demanding finish, starting with a trip to face Galatasaray at RAMS Park, then a home match against Bodo/Glimt on January 28. Simeone stressed that anything less than two victories could

see Atletico drop out of the automatic top-eight places as rivals also chase points.

Simeone did not hide the scale of the challenge, stressing how competitive the league phase has become. "We have to win both games; a draw and a win are not enough," Simeone told reporters ahead of Wednesday's clash with Galatasaray. "There are very strong teams, there are many important teams in this group, who want to avoid having to play another round of qualifiers. It's difficult for everyone because it's very tight. Others will win, and the demands will be extremely high to be among the top eight. "

This meeting will be the seventh between Galatasaray and Atletico in European competition. The Spanish club have yet to lose this fixture, recording four wins and two draws so far. Overall, Atletico have claimed 10 victories from their last 13 Champions League games, although three defeats have all come across the previous four away matches.

Recent trips to Turkey have brought positive results for Atletico in Europe. The club have won four straight away games against Turkish opposition in UEFA competitions, most recently a 2-0 success at Galatasaray in the Champions League in September 2015. That history offers confidence, but Simeone has underlined that the current Galatasaray side presents different problems.

Simeone highlighted the danger posed by Galatasaray’s attack, especially with Victor Osimhen available again after the Africa Cup of Nations. "The opponent has very good players in attack. Osimhen is back, they have two wingers in great form, [Ilkay] Gundogan in midfield, whose quality we know," Simeone said. "I see a very competitive team, and we will try to take the game to where we think we can hurt them. Their work has been incredible, sustaining their position for so long. Thinking about that team [from the 2015 game] and today's, there are differences because the players are different. The atmosphere, this stadium. I love it, the energy of the city, of the people. They transmit the most beautiful thing about football, which is passion. "

Madrid Istanbul pic.twitter.com/ESdqn2PdRtAtltico de Madrid (@atletienglish) January 19, 2026

Last season, Atletico finished fifth in the league-phase standings and avoided the play-offs, but the campaign ended with a controversial round-of-16 exit against rivals Real Madrid. That experience shapes Simeone’s desire to dodge two extra fixtures this year, making the matches against Galatasaray and Bodo/Glimt decisive for the club’s Champions League ambitions.

Simeone’s comments underline how fine the margins are in this format, with several strong clubs competing for limited direct qualification spots. Atletico arrive in Istanbul with an impressive record against Galatasaray and Turkish opposition, yet also aware of mixed recent away form in Europe, leaving little room for error across these final two games.