Atlético to face familiar foes in Champions League

Los Rojiblancos drawn against Porto (again), Zenit and Austria Vienna

Posted by on August 29th, 2013 in General -

Griezmann signed one year contract renewal on Tuesday

Atlético Madrid will have a testing group stage in their return to the Champions League this season, after being drawn against FC Porto, Zenit St Petersburg and Austria Vienna.

The group has decided European calibre, with each side with the exception of Vienna having won the Europa League at least once in the last five years.

The story of the group from an outsiders’ point of view will be Brazilian superstar Hulk’s return to Porto, after leaving the Primeira Liga for Russian side Zenit in the summer of 2012 for a fee of around €50m.

Atlético however will have to contend with Portuguese champions FC Porto after being drawn against them in back-to-back Champions League campaigns.

Our last appearance in Europe’s premier club competition ended in embarrassment back in 2009. Drawn in a group with Chelsea, Porto and APOEL Tel Aviv, Atlético slipped to a disappointing third place and only managed to qualify for the Europa League on away goals.

We finished the group stage with 3 draws, 3 losses, only 3 goals scored and a massive 12 conceded. Our two meetings with Porto resulted in a 2-0 away loss and a 3-0 defeat at the Calderon. We also lost manager Abel Resino along the way.

There are reasons to be optimistic this time around, with a much more structured team and tougher defence.

Atlético kick off their campaign on Wednesday September 18th, where they welcome last season’s Russian runners-up Zenit to the Calderon.


  • Excellent post Nick. Very concise and accurate.

  • kris

    Damn,, when was this article posted?? It says the 29th, but I didn’t see it just until now.. But,, I think we will have a much successful season than that of 2009-10.. Now,, we have a great manager and a great team.. Our defense is one of the best in Europe and the best in La Liga.. The defense is one of the best organized, and it’s much better than that of our very disappointing 2009-10 season, we have a much stronger and well-organized midfield,, and we have a much more disciplined attack with the rise of Diego “The Beast” Costa, and the eagerness and hunger for goal of David “el Guaje” Villa..and we have substitute players, who now we can trust just a little bit to make a difference in a game. Not being arrogant, but I believe we will finish this group off at top.. Forza Atleti!