Simeone plays down Mestalla effect

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is unconcerned about the hostile atmosphere expected for their Europa League clash with Valencia.

The capital club will take a 4-2 advantage to the Mestalla for the return leg of their last-four clash and are strong favourites to progress to the final of Europe's second tier competition. Los Che are currently third in the La Liga standings, while Atletico are seven points behind in seventh spot in the standings. Despite their relative league positions, Madrid were much the better team in the first leg and will look to defend their lead in Valencia on Thursday night. But it will not be easy as a capacity crowd will roar on their heroes to try and get the two goals required to progress to the final. Simeone knows what to expect but has played down the significance of the crowd and has backed his charges to cope. "I do not care about the support Valencia will get at the Mestalla because (the fans) will not be playing, he told reporters. "I only care about what happens on the pitch, nothing more nothing less."