I think people are sleeping on Atletico Madrid this season, they have a solid squad and a great coach, they could make a deep run in the UCL, especially if they can get their defense clicking properly.
What you just stated now is the reason why I said Atletico Madrid would be the most tie Real Madrid can ever get in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage this season. Diego Simeone might not be the best manager in the world but he's actually got the managerial abilities to make his team a very formidable one just like he's made Atletico Madrid since he signed for them over a decade ago. Atletico Madrid is a very stubborn team to face and if Real Madrid can beat them to reach the quarter finals, I think they stand a very good chance of reaching the final of the competition this season.