Atletico Madrid captain Koke says the players welcome the Champions League knockout format.

Atletico meet RB Leipzig in the quarterfinals this week in Lisbon.

Koke told AS: "Yes, we know that the Champions League title is three wins away. We've eliminated the champions (Liverpool); that increases your morale, but you must be aware that it is not easy and that nobody gives anything away.

"We must continue as we have since the return after quarantine. The team is strong, it has fulfilled the objective of the season which was to qualify for next season's Champions League, and even better because we finished third.

"We were sixth going into the break; but we were able to finish third. We are going to Lisbon with great desire and enthusiasm."