Atletico gets Aguero backing to cross Sporting hurdle

(GSM) – Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero believes last week’s disappointing goalless draw against Sporting Lisbon at home could actually end up working to his side’s advantage in Thursday’s return meeting in Portugal.

The Madrid giants failed to capitalize the dismissals Leandro Grimi and Tonel in their last-16 showdown in the first leg.

However, despite that setback at the Vicente Calderon, Aguero is optimistic of a positive result in the second leg at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

“With the first leg having been drawn 0-0 they are going to have to come out to attack because they are playing at home and their fans will demand that they go forward and this will suit us,” said the Argentinian.

“In this game our best weapon is going to be the counter-attack.”

Atletico go into the match buoyed by Monday’s hard-fought home win over Osasuna, in which the Rojiblancos recovered from the 56th-minute dismissal of Simao Sabrosa to triumph 1-0 thanks to Jose Manuel Jurado’s brilliant late strike.

That result means Atletico have won three and drawn two of their last five matches, but Sporting boast an even more impressive recent record.

In their last five fixtures, as well as the draw with Atletico, Sporting have beaten Everton (3-0), Porto (3-0), Belenenses (4-0) and Vitoria Guimaraes (3-1).

It is therefore set to be a hard-fought game and Sporting coach Carlos Carvalhal hopes his side’s supporters can help tip the balance in their favour.

Following Saturday’s triumph over Vitoria he said: “Sporting are full of confidence, the team is motivated and we are growing.

“The team knows what we have to do on the pitch at every single moment.

“Hopefully, a lot of people will turn out for Thursday’s game to help us to get past a tricky opponent. Atletico Madrid have beaten Barcelona and Valencia recently.”