Football
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Koke: Atletico Madrid can overcome 'hostile' atmosphere at Galatasaray

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke says he expects a "hostile" atmosphere in Tuesday's Champions League Group C opener at Galatasaray, adding that he and his teammates are experienced enough to handle whatever comes their way.

Atletico have travelled to Istanbul to open their European campaign at the Turk Telekom Arena -- a stadium famous throughout Europe for the hot welcome visiting teams have often faced over the years.

However, Koke, 23, told the pregame news conference that Atletico's experienced squad will be able to keep their focus on the challenge that lies ahead for them on the pitch.

"Since we were small, we have played in all kinds of grounds," Koke said. "It is the same to us. The important thing is to win the game.

"We are ready for a hostile atmosphere -- we have already experienced it in Greece [last year against Olympiakos]. Aside from that, we play 11 against 11."

Group C also contains Portuguese club Benfica and competition debutants Astana of Kazakhstan, meaning 2014 runners-up and last year's quarterfinalists Atletico are well favoured to progress.

However, Koke said his side are not getting ahead of themselves at this stage and are just taking each game as it comes.

"It is a very even group," he said. "In the Champions League you cannot take anybody for granted. We must be careful, above all with the atmosphere in the stadium."

Atletico's new winger Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco also spoke about the atmosphere expected in Istanbul when speaking to the club's official website.

"It is the first game of the competition, a difficult game and we hope to win. It is very important -- the first Champions League game," Carrasco said.

"There will be a big atmosphere, lots of pressure and all that, but in our stadium there are also lots of fans and we are used to that."

The Belgium international, who impressed during a late substitute appearance in Saturday's 2-1 La Liga defeat to Barcelona, said he was enjoying life at Atletico since his €20 million move from Monaco in the summer.

"I feel good with this group," Carrasco said. "They have welcomed me very well, and I hope to keep going on like this."

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