Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone expressed his emotions following the team's dramatic penalty shootout victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League round-of-16 on Wednesday. Simeone admitted that he couldn't bear to watch the shootout unfold, a sentiment stemming from past experiences with penalties, notably the 2016 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid.
The match saw Federico Dimarco give Inter an early lead before Antoine Griezmann equalized, and a late goal from Atletico substitute Memphis Depay forced extra time. The game ultimately went to penalties, where Inter's Lautaro Martínez missed the decisive spot-kick, sending Atletico through to the quarterfinals.
Simeone commended Inter as one of the best teams in Europe, praising their style of play and work ethic. He also highlighted the resilience and determination shown by his own players, particularly in the face of recent poor form leading up to the match.
Star forward Antoine Griezmann, who returned from injury to score a crucial goal, emphasized the significance of the victory and his personal effort to be fit for the game. Griezmann's presence proved vital in keeping Atletico in contention after falling behind early in the tie.
Looking ahead, Atletico will now prepare to face Barcelona in LaLiga, with Griezmann acknowledging the upcoming challenge while emphasizing the team's focus on enjoying the moment and maintaining their competitive spirit.
Simeone reflected on the team's journey this season, acknowledging both the setbacks and moments of brilliance that have defined their campaign. He credited the players for executing the game plan effectively and remaining committed to their objectives.
As Atletico progresses to the next stage of the Champions League, the victory serves as a testament to the club's resilience and determination in the face of adversity, setting the stage for further challenges and opportunities in their pursuit of success.
