Atletico Madrid Defender reflects on squad's current form

Filipe Luis believes that there is a certain ethos at Atletico Madrid and that it's a better place to play because of the values the club honours.

The Brazilian defender returned from a loan spell at Chelsea last year, and on Tuesday helped his side reach the Champions League final by overcoming Bayern Munich.

The 30-year-old moved to Estadio Vicente Calderon in 2010, after he switched from Deportivo La Coruna, and is passionate about the atmosphere at Atletico.

"When you go to Atletico, you can really tell that it's an institution.

"People who come [to the club] and who aren't from the youth academy don't understand the significance of the club, and when you're far away you realise that winning at Atletico is worth more because it's harder, you suffer more and it's valued more."

His side are currently tied with Barcelona at the top of La Liga with just two games to go after catching up with their Catalan rivals, and are only separated by their head-to-head record.

"Luckily we have overcome our obstacles and we're now in the best possible situation to succeed in our three remaining games."

The Rojiblancos' first game will be away at Levante on Sunday, followed by a home tie with Celta Vigo, before the ultimate showdown with Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

"The reality is that we're focusing on Levante, though we need to keep that focus for the Champions League final."

The defender also discussed his team-mate Tiago Mendes, who on Thursday was officially given the go-ahead to return to action following a fractured tibia suffered in November.

"Hopefully Tiago can enjoy a few minute in the three remaining games; he is the one who has suffered most from being sidelined."

The Brazilian complimented the Portuguese midfielder: "He is a player who reads the game unlike anyone else, who positions the team, who is a coach on the pitch.

"He knows how each player feels, gives easy balls and distributes the play well."

He also praised Koke, a stalwart of Atletico's success this season: "He is our most key player, who has the killer instinct, who has the most quality."