Diego Simeone, the coach of Atletico Madrid, expressed his emotions after the team’s thrilling penalty shootout victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League round-of-16. Simeone admitted that he could not bear to watch the decisive shootout, as he believed it was not good for him to witness such tense moments. Despite not watching, he praised goalkeeper Jan Oblak for his efforts in saving penalties and helping Atletico advance to the quarterfinals.
Simeone’s emotional journey throughout the match was evident as he revealed that he chose to focus on the fans in the stadium rather than watching the penalty shootout unfold. Reflecting on the team’s performance, Simeone highlighted the hope and excitement generated by the players, acknowledging that Atletico’s resilience and determination had once again propelled them among the top teams in Europe.
Despite the victory, Simeone showed respect for last year’s Champions League finalists, Inter Milan, describing them as one of the best teams in Europe. He commended Inter’s playing style, quickness, decisiveness, and hard work by the forwards, as well as praising his own team’s defensive efforts led by Stefan Savic, Mario Hermoso, and Axel Witsel.
Atletico Madrid had been struggling in recent matches leading up to the Champions League clash with Inter Milan. Simeone acknowledged the team’s difficult moments but highlighted the flashes of brilliance they had shown in previous encounters. The victory over Inter was a significant moment of redemption for Atletico, proving their ability to bounce back and follow through with their game plan.
Star forward Antoine Griezmann made a remarkable comeback from injury for the crucial match against Inter Milan. Griezmann’s goal not only kept Atletico in the tie but also showcased his dedication and hard work in recovering from the ankle injury sustained in the first leg. The French forward emphasized the importance of the game and his commitment to making a significant impact for the team.
Following the quarterfinal draw, Atletico Madrid will face Barcelona in LaLiga, providing another challenge for Simeone’s squad. Griezmann expressed the team’s focus on enjoying the victory before shifting their attention to the upcoming match. With a few days of rest and preparation, Atletico aims to continue their positive momentum and deliver another strong performance against Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid’s dramatic victory over Inter Milan was a testament to the team’s resilience, determination, and spirit under the guidance of Diego Simeone. The emotional rollercoaster of the match, coupled with individual performances like Griezmann’s comeback, demonstrated Atletico’s potential to compete at the highest level of European football. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, Atletico will look to build on this victory and continue their pursuit of success in both domestic and international competitions.