Uefa Champions League last 16: ‘True unit’ Atletico Madrid just a level above PSV

PSV Eindhoven have proven their worth at various stages this season, but in Atletico Madrid they meet a side whose solidity is not likely to be broken, writes Andy Mitten.

Atletico Madrid players celebrate a goal against Getafe in La Liga last weekend. Andrea Comas / Reuters / February 14, 2016

The Lowdown

Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven have reached the Champions League knock-out stage for the first time in eight years, where they'll meet one of Europe's strongest teams, 2014 finalists Atletico Madrid. PSV haven't won in 13 previous games in Spain, though their home form is much better against Spanish sides – and they won all three home games against Manchester United, Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow to reach the knock-out stage.

Atletico have lost all four two-legged ties they’ve contested with Dutch sides, including the 1971 European Cup semi-final to Ajax, but Diego Simeone’s side are favourites against Philip Cocu’s team.

Atletico have a superb defence and have only conceded five goals away in La Liga all season, two of them at Camp Nou.

“They are a true unit, defensively extremely solid,” said Cocu of his opponents. “They give few chances away and are physically strong. It is a very tough draw, but at the same time a fantastic challenge again.

How they got here

PSV were surprise knock-out qualifiers ahead of Manchester United. Bottom of group B after three games, they finished strongly, finishing second with 10 points.

Atletico won their group with ease, picking up 13 points, three more than second placed Benfica, whom they beat 2-1 away.

With only one defeat in 23 Eredivisie games, PSV are on target to retain the Dutch title, with a one-point lead over Ajax. Third place Heracles are 18 points behind.

Atletico are second in Spain, ahead of their neighbours Real Madrid. They’re having another excellent season.

Key Players

Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid – Is Atletico's top scorer and best player. The fleet-heeled French forward has recently signed a new contract which gives him a €100 million (Dh400m) buy out clause.

Jeffrey Bruma, PSV Eindhoven – The defender, who played at Chelsea but couldn't establish himself in England, has again been excellent for PSV. "Being realistic, Atletico are the better team in theory, but we are certainly not without a chance," he said.

See more: The National's Champions League last 16 landing page

Points to Prove

The pair have met only once before, in the 2008/09 Champions League group game when Atletico won 3-0 in Eindhoven, with Sergio Aguero scoring twice, and then 2-1 at home.

Cocu knows Spanish football well from his time at Barca. He played more games for the Catalan club than any other foreigner until Lionel Messi took over. Cocu and his players would like to appear on the biggest stages in England and Spain permanently. This is a shop window for them.

The National’s Verdict

Like when the last time the pair met, Atletico to go through. They may struggle to win a packed and noisy PSV Stadion in the first leg, but they’re far better resourced, with better players and more Champions League know-how than the Dutch side.

Atletico don’t score many goals (they have half Real Madrid’s league total) but they win matches.

PSV were pleased to be in the Champions League and delighted to progress from the group stage. They’ve won one of their last 16 games against Spanish opponents, losing seven and drawing eight. More of the same.

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