Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said that leading his side out against former club Lazio will be "special".
Simeone, who spent four seasons at the Stadio Olimpico during his playing career prior to making the switch to the Madrid club in 2003, has urged his side to go in search of goals to give them an advantage in the return leg.
"This is a 180-minute clash," he told reporters. "We need to have the best possible game.
"It will be important not to concede goals. Lazio are a great team, and I think this tie will be hard. We know that scoring on the road is important to keep the tie open for the return match.
"[Today is] a special day for me, because Lazio and Atletico are playing against each other."
Simeone took over managerial duties at the Vicente Calderon earlier this season, after stints coaching in the Argentinian Primera Division and in Serie A.
