“The new Champions League format means it is not easy for any team,” said Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone ahead of his team’s visit to Czech champions Sparta Prague on Tuesday.

Europe’s top-tier club competition now has 36 teams represented in a league table, a format that sees each team play eight different opponents, rather than groups of three home and away games.

The top eight automatically qualify for the round of 16 and the next 16 compete against them in a home-and-away playoff.

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

“Once we move on and this first experience is over, we will have a clearer idea of ​​what we really think (about it).

“They always put pressure on you to win. That happened before, but now it’s a league 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 losses leaving them in 23rd place in the 36-team standings – just inside the playoff places.

Last time out they came from behind to win 2-1 at Paris Saint-Germain with a last-minute goal from Angel Correa.

“The Champions League demands the most from you. It forces you to win” said Simeone, who celebrated his 700th game as Atlético 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 six of their last seven games in all competitions.

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

“It often happens that all teams show intensity and strength, both at home and at the start of the games. It’s logical how they treat their fans. You have to adapt to the pace of this start. We are away and the opponent will put a lot of pressure on us.”

Atletico will visit Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday