Inter Milan now knows its opponents for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, and one of the standout fixtures will be against Atlético de Madrid. Following the draw in Monaco, Inter vice president Javier Zanetti was quick to praise Diego Simeone’s side, downplaying their shaky start to the LaLiga EA Sports season.

What Did Zanetti Say About Atlético de Madrid?

The Argentine legend acknowledged the difficulty of facing the Spanish giants and emphasized his admiration for their manager:

“We’ve drawn Atleti at their ground. They are a great team with a great coach, whom I know well because he was my teammate. I also know some of their players. It’s going to be a tough match, especially since we play them away.”

Zanetti also dismissed concerns about Atlético’s slow league start, backing them to recover quickly:

“We’re at the beginning, and Atleti has a great squad. They will find the right path in a few games.”

Who Are Inter’s Rivals in the League Phase?

The Nerazzurri were placed in a demanding league-phase schedule. Along with Atlético Madrid, Inter will face:

• Liverpool (England)
• Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
• Arsenal (England)
• Slavia Prague (Czech Republic)
• Ajax (Netherlands)
• Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan)
• Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium)

A lineup that, according to Zanetti, means Inter must take it “one game at a time” due to the high level of competition.

How Did Zanetti Evaluate the Champions League Draw?

The Inter director described the draw as “balanced,” warning that there is no room for complacency under the new format, which demands consistent performances from start to finish:

“For us, every game is difficult, and we need to approach them all one by one.”

Confidence in Inter’s European Journey

With ambitions of being a Champions League contender once again, Inter Milan approaches the tournament with confidence and respect. And for Zanetti, Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone remains one of the most feared opponents in Europe.