Atletico Madrid giving their hearts and souls in Champions League, says Diego Simeone
Manager lauds his side’s determination to keep making mark in Europe despite bitter recent heartbreak as they see off Bayer Leverkusen reach quarter-finals
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone lauded his side’s determination to keep making their mark on the Champions League despite the bitter heartbreak they have suffered in the competition.
Simeone’s men have lost out in the final to cross city rivals Real Madrid in two of the past three seasons. However, they have another chance at Champions League glory as a 0-0 draw with Bayer Leverkusen yesterday morning (Hong Kong time) sealed their place in Friday’s quarter-final draw 4-2 on aggregate.
“Firstly there is joy,” said Simeone. “It shows the great effort the club and, above all, the players have made in the way they have competed and given their heart and soul in the past four years.
“Everyone has done their bit to be among the top eight teams in Europe.”
Atletico were far from their best at the Vicente Calderon as they relied on a stunning triple save from goalkeeper Jan Oblak to prevent what would have been just a second Champions League defeat in the past four seasons.