AC Milan is happy that it drew Atletico Madrid instead of Real Madrid, but is the team right in voicing this opinion?
"There was a lot worse in the draw so maybe we will be welcomed back to Milanello," Milan director of sport Umberto Gandini said, according to ESPN. "We're delighted to be going back to Madrid, this time to face a different side."
Milan has a history with Real Madrid and knows that the Blancos have arguably the most potent offense in the world at the moment. However, Atletico is not to be overlooked as the team currently sits in a tie for first place with Barcelona in the Spanish League. Furthermore, the Colchoneros possess a tremendous amount of offensive depth in the likes of Diego Costa, David Villa and Koke.
"They're very tough opponents with a very good coach and they seem to find it so easy to score," added Gandini. "It's going to be something new, which is what we're looking forward to. We've not played them for a long time."
Madrid finished atop Group G while Milan nearly failed to qualify for the round of 16 if not for obtaining a point in a painfully exciting draw against Ajax Amsterdam in the final group game. The Italian side has been woeful throughout the 2013-14 season in the Italian League and is unlikely to make a return to the Champions League in 2014-15. This could be the Italian giants last stand for a while as they look to retool their squad and figure out how to return to relevance in the Italian League.
As aforementioned, Madrid is on the rise and could be a more dangerous foe that Real Madrid simply because it is easy to overlook and underestimate them.
Who wins this draw: Atletico Madrid of AC Milan?
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