text: Fernando Torres has hailed manager Diego Simeone as the reason behind Atletico Madrid's success ahead of their Champions League quarter-final meeting with  Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions have surpassed expectations with the former Argentina midfielder in charge to become one of the most respected sides in Europe - where they reached last season's Champions League final before losing to their city rivals. Since then, Atletico have not been beaten by Cristiano Ronaldo and Co in six matches with victories in this season's Super Cup, King's Cup and both league clashes. Fernando Torres trains at the Vicente Calderon ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final . Manager Diego Simeone is reason behind Atletico Madrid's recent success, insists Torres . Simeone speaks to his players ahead of their European showdown with city rivals Real Madrid . (L-R) Diego Godin, Arda Turan, Cristian Ansaldi, Antoine Griezmann join Torres in training . The former Chelsea misfit, who has scored four goals since returning to his former club, was quick the lay the credit for success at his manager's door. 'It is his character as a player and as a coach that drives the team,' Torres said. 'He knows we are a team that needs to know what we are about, our weaknesses and our strengths, but above all our weaknesses so we can then implement our qualities. Simeone's side have not lost to Atletico Madrid in six meetings since the 2014 Champions League final . Atletico Madrid have exceeded most people's expectations by competing with the likes of Real and Barcelona . Former Chelsea midfielder Tiago (left) and defender Godin help each other with their stretches . Atletico Madrid's Mario Mandzukic (right) and Antoine Griezmann (centre) have fun with a photographer . 'We don't have the options that Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern [Munich] or Chelsea have, we cannot drop points and make up for them later. We are a team that plays at our limit.' Meanwhile, Torres is one of five Atletico players, including Cristian Ansaldi, Jesus Gamez, Gabi, and Mario Suarez who are one booking away from being suspended for the return leg. Carlo Ancelotti's side have Fabio Coentrao, Marcelo and Toni Kroos in the same position. Torres is consoled after scoring an own goal in Atletico's 2-2 draw with Malaga at the weekend .
target: Atletico Madrid host Real Madrid in Champions League quarter-final .
  Diego Simeone's side have not lost to their city rivals in six games .
  Former Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has hailed manager's influence .