Football: Atletico Seek Euro Tonic To Derby Hangover

MADRID, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Nov, 2016 ) - Boasting the only perfect record in the Champions League this season Atletico Madrid have already booked their place in the last 16, but PSV Eindhoven's visit on Wednesday offers a much-needed chance for Diego Simeone's men get back to winning ways.

Since Antoine Griezmann's stoppage time winner saw off FC Rostov three weeks ago and sealed Atletico's place in the knockout stages for a fourth consecutive season, back-to-back La Liga defeats to Real Sociedad and Real Madrid have left Atletico's title chances in tatters.

Indeed, finalists in two of the past three seasons, Atletico now even face a fight to qualify for next year's Champions League after slipping to sixth as Sevilla, Villarreal and Sociedad threaten their status as Spain's third force.

Yet, once again Atletico have proved themselves as a serious contender to finally deliver a first ever European Cup after becoming the first side to lose three finals without ever winning the trophy with a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid in May.

"They are once of the most respected teams on an international level, they are almost feared," said PSV midfielder Andres Guardado. "They make matches seem very long. You need to make a huge effort and sacrifice to try and match their intensity and to damage one of the best defences in the world."