The new format of the Champions League means it is not easy for any team, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said on Tuesday before his side visited Czech champions Sparta Prague.

The top-level European club competition now has 36 teams in a ranking, a format in which each team faces eight different opponents instead of groups with three home and away matches.

The top eight automatically qualify for the last 16 and the next 16 enter a two-legged play-off to join them.

“From what the results show us and what happens in the games, I understand that this format invites everyone to pay even more attention.“, Simeone told a press conference on Monday.

“Once we move on and this first experience is over, we will have a clearer picture of how we really feel about it.

“They always put pressure on you to win. That used to happen, but now it’s a competition where everyone plays against everyone and it’s not easy for anyone.”

Atletico still appears to be adapting to the change, with two wins and two defeats as they sit 23rd in the 36-team standings – just inside the play-off positions.

They fell behind by a goal and won 2-1 at Paris Saint-Germain last time through a last-gasp goal from Angel Correa.

“The Champions League demands the most from you. It forces you to win“, said Simeone, who celebrated his 700th match as Atletico coach last weekend.

Rivals Sparta, fourth in the Czech First League, have won once in their four Champions League games. They have failed to win in six of their last seven matches in all competitions.

“They are tough opponents… and they have a high tempo at homeSimeone added.I can’t imagine any other situation than taking this game to a place where we think we can do some damage.

“It often happens that all teams, at home and at the start of matches, show intensity and strength. It makes sense because they are with their fans. You have to adapt to the pace of that start. We are away from home and the opponent will push very hard.”

Atletico will visit Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday