Atlético Madrid vs. PSV Eindhoven, Champions League draw: Expect Atléti to cruise

As usual, while everyone’s fawning over the superclubs, Atlético Madrid are quietly going about their business and winning everything they can. They topped their Champions League group, they’re top of the La Liga table, and they’re big favorites to make the Champions League quarterfinals. Standing in their way is PSV Eindhoven, who dumped Manchester United out of this competition.

Atletico’s hard-nosed style has served them well over the last few years, but this year Diego Simeone and company have turned things up a notch. Not only have they kept pace with Barcelona in La Liga, they ran roughshod over a fairly tough group, losing just one match and looking dominant all along the way. They’re a more complete and dynamic side than they’ve been in previous years, and they can take the game to their opponents with ruthless efficiency. They may not have the high profile of Barcelona or Real Madrid or Bayern Munich or Juventus, but they should quietly be considered a contender for a deep run in this year’s Champions League.

The tricky attacking midfielder has been in tremendous form this season, leading the team in scoring and serving as a constant menace to defenses all across Europe. He has a habit of popping up out of nowhere anywhere in the final third at any time, and too many defenders seem to have a hard time tracking him. If there’s one player Atletico can rely on to make an impact in these high-octane matches, it’s Griezmann.

A Dutch team has not made the knockout stages of the Champions League since 2006. PSV Eindhoven sold their two best players this summer, including their best to Manchester United. And yet, here they are, in the Round of 16 after beating Manchester United for second place in their group.

PSV didn’t do anything special in the group stage, but managed to win all of their home games and snag a 0-0 draw away to United. That was good enough to see them snag a place comfortably -- they would have gone through even if United snagged a late equalizer against Wolfsburg.

They use the attacking 4-3-3 you’d expect to see from a very good Dutch team, and they’re unlikely to alter their style against an Atlético Madrid team that’s likely to let them win a possession battle.

Key player: Andres Guardado

Guardado, a Mexican national team standout for a decade, spent most of his career as a winger or wingback. His move to the center of midfield has revitalized his career, helping him transition from a fringe role into a key role for both club and country. Whether playing as a lone holder or a little higher up the pitch as a pressing midfielder, he’s one of PSV’s most important players.

PSV are a decent side playing very well, but Atléti might be the most underrated team in the world. Atlético Madrid by multiple goals.