Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has insisted his side must take maximum points from their two encounters with Champions League debutants FC Astana in the next fortnight to get their European campaign back on track.
The Spanish side host the Kazakh champions on Wednesday hoping to make amends for their first home defeat in the Champions League for six years against Benfica last time out.
Diego Simeone’s men are still well-placed to qualify from Group C thanks to their 2-0 win at Galatasaray on matchday one.
However, having made the quarter-finals in each of the last two seasons, Torres is determined to reach the knockout stages as group winners to ensure an easier path to the last eight once more.
“We knew it was very important to win at Galatasaray ahead of the home match against Benfica. We won in Turkey, but it wasn’t our plan to lose here at home against Benfica,” the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker told Uefa’s website.
“We need the points even more in the upcoming matches but we are confident that we will make it into the next round, which is our short-term objective.
“We want to finish first in our group, because you have more advantages, or let’s say fewer disadvantages, in the next round. We are at that point now to know that we need six points in our next two matches.”
Astana made the longest ever trip in Champions League group stage history when they travelled over 6,000 kilometres to play Benfica on matchday one and face another marathon trip as they try to spring a massive upset in the Spanish capital.
“On paper we are the favourites, but not really knowing them can be a real danger,” added Torres, who is just one goal away from his 100th for the club.
“In such matches we have to focus on ourselves, play our game, keep the concentration that you need in Champions League matches, and approach it with the determination to win.”
Simeone has a fully-fit squad to choose from, but the Argentine could rotate his squad with a key clash against Valencia in La Liga to come on Sunday.
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