Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone on Saturday jumped to the defence of Javi Galan after the 30-year-old left back's below-par performances in key matches, pointing to the quality of the opposition the defender has come up against in recent weeks.

Diego Simeone has evolved his side from the blood and thunder approach of yesteryear - will it enable them to beat Real Madrid next week?

Atletico Madrid face a crucial eight days commencing on Sunday, as they go into three games that could define their La Liga campaign, and certainly their European run. Diego Simeone will be keeping a