Tottenham Hotspur have been described as Atletico Madrid's "favourite" opponents in the Champions League draw in Spain - but there is a clear caveat attached.
in a column for AS, journalist FJ Diaz Atlético claim that "the draw has not made their performance worse. Quite the contrary". However, he immediately adds context that Spurs supporters will find interesting.
According to Diaz, "supporters and players preferred Tottenham over Liverpool in this round of 16 tie". The logic is simple. Liverpool are too familiar rivals for Atlético, while Spurs were seen as the more attractive option.
Still, Spanish journalists are uneasy about the narrative being built around the tie.
He writes: "Atletico can eliminate Tottenham, because they have the squad and the level to do it." Yet he follows it up with a clear warning: "I don't like, and certainly Simeone doesn't like, that Atletico are being labeled as favourites."
In fact, Díaz reminds readers that "whenever Atlético has been considered the favourite, things have not gone entirely well."
This caution explains a lot about how Tottenham are viewed in Madrid.
Spurs are still seen as Premier League giants
Despite Tottenham's domestic struggles, Diaz insisted that they "remain one of the big clubs in the Premier League, even if they are at the bottom of the table."
So while Atlético may feel privately satisfied, the Spanish press are careful not to write off Igor Tudor's side.
Conspiracy has also been added regarding two Tottenham players.
Conor Gallagher, who previously played for Atletico, will face his former club. Diaz notes that Gallagher was not successful in Madrid, but "left a good memory at the Metropolitano." That subplot ensures that the tie-in has an emotional edge.
Meanwhile, Cristian Romero was Atletico's big objective in the last summer transfer window to strengthen the defence. According to the excerpt, Romero "did everything to come through," but This move ultimately failed.
Romero is ready to step out in the summer and Atleti remains one of the contenders. He will now go up against Diego Simeone, who reportedly fought hard to sign him.
what happens next
The Spanish tale is unfolding for Tottenham. On the surface, Atletico are happy. Below, there is the concern of carrying favorite tags. AS have made it clear that overconfidence has hurt Simeone's side before.
Spurs could be draw favorites. However, in Spain there is no sense that this would be straightforward.
Whatever happens, Madrid's warning shows Atlético know exactly who they are up against.
