Today at 2:45 p.m. ET at Vicente Calderon in Spain, Atletico Madrid is set to host Group G doormat Austria Vienna in UEFA Champions League action that can be taken in via live stream by clicking here.
Atletico is the cream of the crop in Group G, while Vienna's having a tough season and rounding out the bottom. Still, Atletico defender Juanfran Torres has said his team is geared up for Vienna as if it were a "final."
"We trust our coach (Diego Simeone), because he knows how to make the most of each player," Torres said. "I believe we have a great team. We train differently depending on opponent, but always like a final."
That team-wide work ethic is astonishing, as Torres said he doesn't even hold the Champions League in the highest esteem among his competitions.
"It is clear that Atletico have always been good at knockout competitions, but I am among those who think that the Spanish league is still the best, the strongest and most competitive, and perhaps it is more difficult to win than the Champions League."
Juanfran has helped Atletico to one of its best seasons already in club history, and said he would like to play for them for the rest of his career. "Atletico are a great side and I would like to finish my career here, because I hope to win titles every year," he added.
On paper this pairing is a mismatch; Atletico has found the back of the net eight times in Champions League while Vienna's offense has failed to put up even one goal on the scoreboard in three matches. Atletico should be highly motivated for this game as well. A victory will qualify them for the knockout stage for the first time since the 2008-2009 season, as well as set a franchise record for consecutive Champions League wins.
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