EXCLUSIVE: The former Atleti midfielder sees reasons for optimism heading into Wednesday's return leg - despite last week's 0-0 draw at the Vicente Calderon

By Adrian BoullosaFormer Atletico Madrid midfielder Veljko Paunovic is confident Diego Simeone's men can spring a surprise against Real Madrid and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League at the expense of the reigning European champions.Atletico had to settle for a scoreless draw at the Vicente Calderon in the first leg and face an uphill task to eliminate their cross-town rivals in Wednesday's return at the Santiago Bernabeu.Paunovic, though, was quick to stress that Atletico cannot be written off just yet, pointing out that they found themselves in a similar position against Chelsea last season, only to then record a 3-1 away win and book their ticket for the final."Atletico are by no means out of the Champions League yet. They have already shown in the past that they can deal with a situation like this," the Serbia Under-20 coach told"Last year, they travelled to Stamford Bridge for the second leg against Chelsea after a scoreless draw at home as well and they went on to reach the final."Atletico have beaten Real four times in seven games, so it is fair to say they have become accustomed to competing with Real Madrid."It is a crucial game this time around, though, so there will be more pressure, higher expectations and more emotion."Paunovic, who wore the Atleti jersey in the late 1990s and the early 2000s, then looked back at last week's first leg and felt the reigning Spanish champions struggled with Madrid's intensity."Last week’s encounter met all expectations when it comes to the intensity of the game, especially in the first hour. Atletico could not take advantage of the atmosphere and Real Madrid had great intensity. I didn’t expect them to have so much possession early on."Things were a bit more balanced as the game wore on and in the end it was clear that it would finish a draw. Madrid could not keep up their intense approach all game. Atletico struggled to cope with it, though."Simeone made some changes during half-time to turn things around. He influenced the game. Of course Madrid also changed their style a bit."Paunovic ended by highlighting Diego Simeone's role in Atletico's success in recent years as the Rojiblancos have become a force to be reckoned with again in Spain, challenging Real for the title of Madrid's top dogs in the process."Atletico went through a difficult time in which they were unable to beat Real Madrid, but things have changed now. Atletico have broken a psychological barrier. They have done because of their good organisation, stability, a fine sporting project and a great leader like Simeone."He transmits a certain confidence to his players. They all develop under him and reach their best."