Simeone: "Real Madrid vs Ateltico will be a huge match and we are ready"

Diego Simeone provided his thoughts after he saw that his Atletico side have been drawn to take on Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16. The two local rivals have already met twice this season, with both league clashes ending in draws.
But there can only be one winner this time round as the two teams face each other in the knockouts, with the loser facing elimination from the tournament. The Argentinian manager affirmed that his players are "ready" to face the defending European champions in the two-legged tie (first leg 4 or 5 March, second leg 11 or 12 March).
"I will respond to only one question about the topic because on Sunday we play against Valencia and that's all we are focused on right now," the Atletico boss told reporters. "It's a huge match and we are ready. That's what I know," he concluded. Real Madrid will host the first leg, with the decider set to be held at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Atletico have been spared excessive travel costs thanks to the European derby clash, however, Simeone explained that the economic aspect of the fixture was the least of his worries. "The first thing that came to my mind when I saw the draw was that it will be a big game and we are ready," he insisted.