Our man in Madrid, Phil Kitromilides, is backing an effective Atletico side to be ahead at the break when they host Luciano Spalletti's men on Wednesday

Champions League football returns to the Vicente Calderon for the first time in nearly four years on Wednesday and during that hiatus Atletico Madrid have seemingly cemented their place as the third power in Spanish football. 
Two Europa League titles and a Copa del Rey have meant the trophy cabinet has been well stocked and while players have come and gone, Atleti's current squad is as strong as they have ever had. 
Los Rojiblancos should be confident of getting off to a winning start at home to Zenit St Petersburg and William Hill price them at just 11/20 (1.55) for the win. The Russians, meanwhile, are offered at 5/1 (6.00),with the draw available at 3/1 (4.00). 
As we saw on Tuesday with Real Sociedad, decent domestic form does not always translate into a European performance yet Diego Simeone's side have been imperious so far this season and there is little reason to back against them.