Diego Simeone: 'We can cope with schedule'

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has insisted that his side can cope with their punishing schedule in the second half of the season.

The capital outfit played out an energy-zapping goalless draw with Barcelona in La Liga at the weekend, but return to action tomorrow evening against Valencia in the Copa del Rey.

"The players are used to playing every four days, we did that a lot last year with the Europa League," he told reporters at a press conference.

"Tomorrow I hope we can respond the way we have been doing and win the game. There is tiredness, but it must be overcome. They're working the best way they can."

Atletico and Valencia are currently level at 1-1 from the first leg last week.