Huge Challenge Awaits Slovak Defender: Hancko Prepares for European Giants with Special Motivation

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, he addressed the quality of the opposition and the team's ambition to reach this season's Champions League final on home turf at the Metropolitano.

Hancko played in all four of Slovakia's Nations League fixtures, prompting manager Diego Simeone to manage his minutes upon returning to club duties. The defender was brought on in the 62nd minute of Saturday's 2-1 win at Deportivo Alavés, which provided the ideal preparation ahead of the European clash.

"It was great to return with a win after the international break. Keeping our momentum going is vital. Having Pablo [Barrios] back is also a massive boost. These first four Champions League games are crucial, and home matches carry immense weight. We have to maintain this form," Hancko said, as quoted by Spanish outlet Marca.

The 28-year-old praised Manchester United as a major force with high-caliber players despite their slow start to the campaign. "They finished third in the Premier League last season, which is the toughest league in the world. Clubs like that have the resources for elite players, and they had a fantastic campaign. We will have to give 100 percent against them. It’s going to be a tough test, but we must start picking up points immediately," the defender stated.

The sides also crossed paths during pre-season, with the Red Devils earning a 2-1 victory. "We lost that match, but United were still missing several key players back then. This will be a completely different challenge. We are in good form, but learning from that summer encounter will be essential."

Last season's semi-finalists are aiming to go one step further and reach the final on June 5, which will be hosted at the Metropolitano. "We came very close to the final last year, and it would be incredible to make that kind of run again. We need to take it step by step and continue gathering points in the league phase. The thought of it definitely fuels our belief. Playing the final in our home stadium would be extraordinary, but it remains a long journey," Hancko noted.

Atlético opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Liverpool. In the league phase, they are still set to host Bayern Munich, Viking Stavanger, and a Fenerbahçe side led by Slovak captain Milan Škriniar. Simeone's men will also travel to VfB Stuttgart—home to Slovak winger Leo Sauer—alongside fixtures against PSV Eindhoven and Bodø/Glimt.