Bayern win shows Simeone's Atletico can challenge for the Champions League once again

Last season's beaten finalists produced another impressive performance against the German champions and look set to be a contender for the title they crave more than anything else

Atletico are starting all over again in the Champions League. While Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are looking to add to their collection of European titles, the Rojiblancos are still seeking their first crown in the continent's premier club competition. But on Wednesday's evidence, they will be in contention once again this time around.

Diego Simeone's side suffered heartbreak in Lisbon two years ago as a late leveller from Sergio Ramos cancelled out what had looked like the winning goal from Diego Godin and their local rivals Real won it in extra time. And in May of this year, history repeated itself in similar circumstances as Atleti lost out again to Madrid in the San Siro showpiece - this time in a penalty shootout.

The pain was etched upon the players' faces and even tough guy Simeone could barely hold back the tears in his post-match press conference. Would they be able to lift themselves again after such sadness and disappointment?

They already have. Simeone set about building a squad to compete in La Liga and in the Champions League this term and, after beating PSV Eindhoven in their European opener earlier this month, Atleti produced another impressive performance to defeat one of the continent's elite teams on Wednesday.

Yannick Carrasco's fine goal after 35 minutes was the difference, the Belgium winger attacking from deep and slotting home a low shot in off the post from 20 yards out. But the margin of victory would have been greater had Fernando Torres converted one of his two excellent opportunities and Antoine Griezmann not crashed a penalty against the woodwork late in the game.

Griezmann missed a penalty in the final of the Champions League at San Siro too and Atletico's spot-kick woes are something of a concern. Torres, who was excellent despite failing to score in this one, also erred from 12 yards out in the semi-final second leg against Bayern and it is perhaps time for Simeone to consider a change, with Koke, Saul and Gabi all options for the penalty-taking duties.

Nevertheless, the win was deserved and Atletico will continue to improve this season as Kevin Gameiro and Nico Gaitan adapt after moving in the summer to the Vicente Calderon.

Atletico's atmospheric arena is in its final season as the club are set to move to a new stadium at La Peineta from next August and, before kick-off against Bayern, the fans held up a spectacular

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