Atletico Madrid coach Javier Aguirre remains hopeful that his side can secure a place in the Champions League group stage

Aguirre’s side lost the first leg of their third qualifying round tie 1-0 to Schalke of Germany, but the Mexican tactician st…

Atletico Madrid coach Javier Aguirre is confident his side will still qualify for the Champions League group stages despite seeing them slump to a 1-0 defeat against Schalke in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie.

It was always going to be a tough affair for ATLETICO DE MADRID
in the home leg of the Champions League Preliminary match
against German side SCHALKE 04. The optimistic levels were high
for the…

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This is, undoubtedly the peak of the qualifications, the central match of the third round where two well-known teams will have the biggest obstacle on their way to the group stage. None of the sides were satisfied after the draw, but they can’t help it… Schalke are in a slightly favoured position since the season in Bundesliga starts in two weeks but this doesn’t have to mean a thing. Last season German side played in the quarterfinals which is their biggest success and as for Atletico this is their chance to get back among European elite; the last time they were in the Champions league was 11 years ago and they reached quarterfinals then. Madrid side have invested a lot in the team over the last few years and all with the aim to return to the most important competition in Europe. Now they are a step away from their aim but Schalke will be tough opponents, especially because Coclhoneros can’t count on Kuno Aguero who is at the Olympics.