Tiago crying out for new contract

Sure, he is 32, he plays in a position in which he is subject to huge physical demands and no one knows how his legs will hold up following another gruelling year. Nevertheless, Tiago's performances this season suggest that Atlético should give serious consideration to extending his current contract, which runs until the end of June, for at least another year.

The Portuguese midfielder's excellent form was plain for all to see in Wednesday's encounter against Barcelona. He and Gabi comprehensively bossed the middle of the park, together winning the ball back 30 times. What's more, the former Chelsea and Juventus man was also neat and tidy in possession, completing around 80% of his passes.

A leader

Leaving aside his ability, Tiago is also a model professional – he is the vice-captain after Gabi and his commitment is never in doubt, as shown by the fact that he played with a broken wrist earlier in the season. As such, it is in Atlético's interest to sit down and calmly thrash out a deal with the midfielder, who is in the second tier of earners at the club.