Lautaro: "The team feels strong, we're ready"

On the eve of Atlético Madrid vs Inter, Matchday 5 of the Champions League 2025/26 league phase, the Nerazzurri have arrived in Spain with a perfect record: 12 points from their opening four games. The match kicks off on Wednesday 26 November at 21.00 CET at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid.

Ahead of the clash, Inter captain Lautaro Martínez spoke during a press conference:

Coming off the derby, what are your feelings about playing against the only team to have knocked you out over two legs in the Champions League in the past three years? “Atlético are a top side, and their fans make themselves heard in this stadium, so we remember that match two years ago. It’ll be a great game to play. We know how much it matters after what happened on Sunday, even if we felt we deserved more, but we’ve moved on.”

What do you remember from that match two years ago? And what’s your relationship like with Julián Álvarez? “That match taught us a lot, but it’s in the past. Julián and I speak often – he’s about to become a father. I’m happy for him, for what he’s doing now, and for how much he helps both his club and the national team.”

Over the last two seasons you’ve scored more regularly in the Champions League than in Serie A. What changes between the two competitions? “Before that they said the opposite, but I just stay calm and I’m always myself. I try to help my teammates and the coach, and to make our fans happy.”

What do you think of Julián Álvarez and of Atlético Madrid? “Julián and the team are in great form. We talk a lot about Atlético when we're with the national team, because there are so many Argentines called up from that side. We talk about the present, not the future.”

What will it be like facing Atlético’s Argentines tomorrow? “When we’re on international duty we're all very friendly, but tomorrow they'll be the opposition. Everyone will defend their colours and their club. After the final whistle we’ll speak again – but during the match we’re opponents.”

What does it mean to face Atlético in this stadium? Are they contenders to win the Champions League? “Atlético are a high-level team, with a great stadium and passionate fans. We’re up against a strong opponent and we’ll need to bring our very best.”

What would scoring in a match like this mean to you? “These matches are special, but for a striker every goal matters. Every time I step on the pitch, my goal is to help the team put in a big performance.”

Simeone said he’d like to coach Inter one day – what do you think? “I don’t know about that. He definitely has a special relationship with Inter, and he’s been saying that for a long time. Facing him and his team is always special, because Atlético have so many Argentine players. But tomorrow, they're simply opposition.”

You’ve analysed Atlético – what are their strengths and yours? “We’ve studied them and worked a lot with video analysis since Sunday. We’ve analysed their game, but our main focus needs to be on ourselves and on putting them under pressure.”

Does the talk about the team’s mentality bother you? “I’m convinced the team is in a good place right now. We're feeling strong and are ready to face a challenging side like Atlético; we'll aim to take three important points back to Italy.