Diego Simeone: 'Atletico Madrid not favourites against AC Milan'

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has brushed off claims that his side are favourites ahead of their Champions League tie with AC Milan.

Los Rojiblancos travel to the struggling Serie A side this evening and the Atleti boss believes that Milan will still be a formidable opponent due to their European heritage.

He told reporters: "I don't want to make predictions, but this tie will be important ahead of the second leg. I expect to see a great Milan and above all I fear their history, which on nights like this can really count. We'll be facing a great rival.

"We do not feel like the favourites and must prove our strength on the field. It won't be easy, because the Italian teams always make the most of their scoring opportunities. We will need intensity and concentration.

"I expect both sides to play attacking football. We must do well in defence to ensure they don't get scoring opportunities, as they have good forwards and are dangerous on the counter-attack."

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes that Simeone's side will give the Rossoneri a "tough time" over the two legs.