Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix has explained how his side can defeat Manchester United in their Champions League last-16 tie as they prepare to host the Red Devils in Wednesday’s first leg.
Diego Simeone’s men have endured a challenging campaign so far despite being La Liga’s reigning champions.
They finished second to Liverpool in Group B, claiming two wins and a draw to advance to the knockout stages ahead of Porto and AC Milan, while United finished top of Group F.
That gives the Premier League side home advantage in the crucial second leg, with the first clash coming at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday.
Both sides have suffered disappointing seasons and face a huge challenge to finish in the top four of their domestic leagues, while they have already been knocked out of any other cup competitions.
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This means the tie appears to be wide open, though both teams come into the game on the back of wins in the league.
United claimed a thrilling victory away at Leeds, blowing a two-goal lead before scoring twice late on.
Atletico, meanwhile, comfortably beat Osasuna to bounce back from a shock defeat at bottom club Levante in midweek.
Felix was the star of the show for Simeone’s men at El Sadar Stadium, scoring once and assisting another.
And the Portugal international believes that Atletico can use their performance in the game as inspiration against United.
“I'm happy because we were coming from a really bad loss and knew how to bounce back. I'm not worried about personal achievements and ready to help my team,” Felix said.
“We were good, very united. We worked well and we got a good victory. It was a good game for me and for everyone.
“We are motivated for Wednesday's game. We have to continue with the same mentality. If the attitude is good, everyone's quality comes out.
“We're going to try to make a great game to win the first round and then we'll see. The Champions League is one of the most beautiful challenges.
“We are motivated, it will be a beautiful match to watch and play.”
Felix will be hoping to keep his starting place having struggled to earn Simeone’s trust this campaign, though his performance against Osasuna should go a long way.
Atletico’s record signing fired in from a corner after just three minutes to set his side on the way to a crucial win.
He then laid on the assist for a Luis Suarez strike after the break before Angel Correa finished off a counter-attack to seal the three points.
Simeone will need Felix to step up again, with the Atletico boss likely to be without Yannick Carrasco, Thomas Lemar, Benjamin Lecomte, Daniel Wass and Mateus Cunha.
Antonie Griezmann has also only just returned from a long-term injury, leaving Simeone short on options for the first leg.
