Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says the new Champions League format “forces us to win”. The new-look 36-team league phase of Europe’s elite club competition commenced this week, replacing the previous group stage format.

Emmanuel (@LigaLavo on Twitter) and Justin Croser (@RBLTalk) discuss Atlético Madrid ’s 2-1 win over RB Leipzig on Thursday night. Topics include:

Atletico Madrid begins its 2024–25 Champions League campaign against one of its toughest opponents, RB Leipzig. Diego Simeone welcomed Robin Le Normand, Alexander Sørloth and Julián Alvarez to Madrid with the hope of building a squad capable of challenging for the Spanish and European crowns.

Diego Simeone's side still suffer from the hurt of losing two finals to Real Madrid, but hope and expectations are on the rise

A 90th-minute goal from Jose Maria Gimenez snatched a 2-1 comeback victory for Atletico Madrid at home against RB Leipzig in their Champions League opener on Thursday. Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko put the visitors in front just four minutes in but Antoine Griezmann levelled things up after 28 minutes.

With a reinforced squad, Diego Simeone will be his hoping Atleti side can go deep into the competition as they face Bundesliga opposition in the opener.

Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the Metropolitano Stadium. Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig is available to live stream for free on RTL ZWEE.