Diego Simeone felt Atletico Madrid produced one of their best team performances of the season to get past Manchester United in the Champions League.
Atleti have struggled in the defence of their LaLiga title, with inconsistent form leaving them 15 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid and in a battle to secure a top-four spot with 10 games remaining.
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However, after defeating United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday to book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, Atletico made it six unbeaten in all competitions for the first time since starting the campaign with a run of seven without defeat.
Renan Lodi’s first-half goal ultimately clinched a 2-1 aggregate success over the Red Devils, but it was the team display as Atletico shut up shop in the second half that left Simeone elated.
“I’m happy. So many people work hard so we can have these moments,” Simeone told Movistar Plus.
Simeone appreciation tweet pic.twitter.com/Itdvkq2m03
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) March 15, 2022
“We were competitive, not ashamed of playing defensively, and knowing when to attack.
“The goal came, which gave us the advantage, and in the second half there was a brilliant team effort – one of the best this season – which leaves me satisfied.
“We started with a 5-3-2 then changed to a 5-4-1 with Antoine Griezmann on the right of midfield and Renan Lodi growing more and more on the left.
“Lodi’s doing really well. He had to wait a long time [to get in the side], but football is marvellous because when you train hard and are ready to go, there’s always a chance for you.
“The defence were brilliant and Jan Oblak helped us remain calm throughout. It was a real team effort.
“The team has showed a different spirit since the Osasuna game [a 3-0 win on February 19].”
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