Tiago Mendes says Atletico Madrid's main objective each season is to win the Spanish La Liga title.

Los Colchoneros finished the domestic campaign in third position in 2015/16, just three behind champions Barcelona, having missed out on the title by a much greater margin the season prior to arch rivals Real Madrid.

It is a yearly challenge for Atleti to go after Spanish heavyweights Barca and Real in the chase for Primera Division honours which veteran midfielder Tiago insists is always the main focus of the club, especially after winning in 2014.

However, two UEFA Champions League finals in the past three seasons - both which ended in tears at the hands of local enemies Real - has Atletico dreaming of a potential upset on the continental stage which Tiago feels is something certainly achievable for manager Diego Simeone and Los Rojiblancos.

"Every year we want to win titles," Portuguese midfielder Tiago told Tribalfootball.

"We compete against Barcelona and (Real) Madrid in the championship and of course we have a Champions League dream.

"We have been very close to winning title in the last three years and why not this year, we will try again!"

Regarding which comes first, Tiago was very clear that obtaining league success is Atleti's priority to ensure European glory is a permanent feature on the 'to-do list' at the Vicente Calderon.

"First, domestically, because the club needs to be in the Champions League every year," he added.

"That is very vital for the club financially and it is the most important thing.

"After that we have a dream. We have been in two finals in three years. We want to win the Champions League.

"Of course it is a dream for every player. Atletico Madrid has never won that cup and it is an objective the we have to make some history."

Atletico kick off their 2016/17 La Liga campaign against promoted Deportivo Alaves at home on Sunday.