Simao seeks home comforts

Simao feels it is imperative Atletico Madrid take a positive result from their home date with Liverpool.

The Spaniards welcome the Reds to Vicente Calderon on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.

Both sides feel they are equipped to go on and take the crown, but know they will need to be at their best to safely negotiate a route through the last four.

The tie could rest on who produces the best performance in front of their own supporters, with Simao fully aware that Atletico need to make the most of the advantage they hold heading into the first meeting.

"These games against Liverpool will not be easy and I expect two tough matches between two evenly matched sides," the Portuguese playmaker told skysports.com.

"I think the tie will be settled on the smallest details.

"For us the main objective is to score at home and to give ourselves a chance in England.

"The tie will ultimately be settled at Anfield, but we need to make sure we arrive there with an opportunity to progress."

Simao believes neither side will be able to spring a surprise on their rivals, as they are two of the biggest clubs on the continent, and appreciates that both will be desperate to put their domestic failings behind them in the pursuit of European glory.

He added: "The key to this match will be to force the play and to dominate possession, only then will we get the chance to test (Jose) Reina.

"Atletico and Liverpool are two teams that need no introduction and the surprise factor is discarded at the semi-final stage.

"I don't think Liverpool's problems in the league will make any difference either, because we have suffered the same thing.

"We have not been able to transfer our form in the cups into the Primera Liga and that is disappointing for our supporters.

"Our fans dream of titles and it is vital we give our all over the course of these 180 minutes to make sure we reach the final."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.