Atletico and Dortmund see rare Champions League opportunity

Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund do battle on Wednesday with both teams conscious the tie offers their best chance of reaching the Champions League semifinals in years.

The duo are the underdog sides remaining in this season's quarterfinals, with the other six teams either among the elite, spending as if they were or boasting trophy-laden European histories.

Atletico, who suffered a humiliating group stage exit last season, are fighting desperately to finish in the top four in LaLiga, under pressure from Athletic Bilbao for the final Champions League qualifying spot.

Dortmund are languishing in fifth in the Bundesliga, although they did manage to escape a tricky group featuring Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Newcastle United.

Spanish champions in 2014 and 2021, Atletico will consider themselves the stronger of the two sides, even though Diego Simeone's team oft prefer to be the unfancied outsiders.

"We drew a very tough opponent, the Germans are always strong and there will be a great atmosphere in the return leg, so we need a good first leg," said Simeone in March.

"We find a team that fought to win its league last year and that this year is experiencing a season similar to ours – it will be tough."

The coach, 53, is one victory away from his 50th win in the Champions League, with only eight coaches reaching that figure prior.

Simeone led Atletico to the semifinals in 2017 and suffered agonising final defeats against arch-rivals Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016.

Simeone has won virtually every trophy possible with the Rojiblancos but Champions League failure remains the thorn in their side.

Atletico defeated last season's runner-ups Inter Milan in the last 16 on penalties, showing they have the ability to go all the way.

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