Real Madrid legend Emilio Butragueno has warned that the upcoming Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid will be a severe test for the club. The draw pairs the two city rivals at a critical juncture in the season, with both teams fighting for domestic and European glory. Softfootball highlights that Butragueno acknowledges the defensive strength and attacking quality of Diego Simeone’s side.
Butragueno emphasized that familiarity between the squads does not make the fixture any easier. He noted that Atletico remains a formidable opponent capable of causing problems, requiring Real Madrid to be at their absolute best to secure progression to the quarter-finals of the prestigious tournament.

The club official also addressed the demanding schedule and recent injury concerns, stating that the team has managed to recover well. He expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and experience, recalling their spectacular performance against Manchester City as evidence of their ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
He stated:
We know each other very well. They are very strong defensively and they are very good up front. They will be two very difficult matches, but we trust in our players and what this competition means for us. It is true that the schedule is a tremendous one.