Simeone's men must pull off a remarkable comeback in Wednesday's second leg to avoid being dumped out of the Champions League for a fourth straight season by their cross-city rivals.

"On Wednesday we have a very difficult game. For some impossible, but not for us," said Simeone after Atletico secured a top-four finish in La Liga for a fifth straight season with a 1-0 win over Eibar on Saturday.

"I've told the players it is very difficult, that we are facing the best team in the world, who score goals in every game, but that it is possible.

"I am convinced of it. If I wasn't I wouldn't say it. If we are united and understand that it is a semi-final at home we have a chance."

Wednesday's clash is likely to be the final European game at Atletico's Vicente Calderon as they move to the new 67,000-capacity Wanda Metropolitano next season.

Atletico were given a rousing reception throughout at the Calderon on Saturday despite the disappointment of their 3-0 first-leg capitulation to Real in midweek.

And Saul Niguez's winner 21 minutes from time ensured they now need just one more point from their final two games to guarantee third place in La Liga ahead of Sevilla and avoid a Champions League qualifier in August.

"They have been nearly six marvellous years. The fans are grateful and the players continue to give their all, to fight and raise themselves after they've been knocked down," added Simeone, who took over as coach in 2011.

"We had big difficulties at the start of the season and situations that meant we lost our consistency that this team has always had.

"With two games to go we are in a strong position and we hope to be able to finish it off in the next game."

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