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.
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid is one of the most difficult fixture to watch in the knock out stage because both teams have experience Managers who are well grounded for the competition and coming to the history of both teams in the champions League competition I think this season Diego Simeone and his team have a very balanced team unlike before when they will be having difficulties in winning matches, Diego Simeone should see the encounter as a pay back time to what Rea Madrid has denied his team in the champions League competition. Atletico Madrid will fight to defeat Real Madrid to progress to the next stage, they have a great team and they have all it takes to win Real Madrid, if they are able to defeat the best team in the competition they have a better chance of getting to the finals or winning the competition likewise Real Madrid the best in the champions League competition.