Wednesday night’s Champions League group stage pits Diego Simeone up against an old foe in Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Only months after they last met, Simeone once again faces the former Real Madrid star, and he did not hide his respect for the player.

“It’s difficult to prepare something against a player, he’s an animal in front of goal,” Simeone admitted.

“He has an incredible record and in any situation near the box, he’s dangerous. He’s not easy to control, he has it all.

“We suffer and sometimes it’s our turn to win, and other times we lose, but he’s an animal in front of goal.”

Cristiano will travel to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano for a second time and Simeone clearly feels that the stadium could influence the game.

“In order to play a complete game, you have to go out there with hope, although sometimes the other way around when we are doing badly,” he said when asked about the atmosphere.

However, Simeone was adamant to play down the favourites tag that some have bestowed upon the hosts.

“I always look day by day, then there are bookmakers and journalists who choose some over others,” he said.

“Football is always football and everything can change. Look at Ajax last season, us in 2014, teams appear that no-one is expecting – anyone can give you problems.

“We are trying to grow and adapt to these competitions, but words are just words; facts, mistakes and good decisions give us experience.”

Simeone is seeking his first Champions League medal and this season, he will hope to make the final of the competition for the third time.