Champions League 2016-17: Win over Bayern Munich one of our best performances, says Diego Simeone
Diego Simeone was in a buoyant mood as his side overcame Bayern Munich 1-0 in a close fought game at the Vicente Calderon. Simeone hailed the performance as one of the best during his time at the club and has issued a stern warning to other contenders of this season's Champions League.
Yannick Carrasco scored with a delightful left-foot strike which gave Atletico all three points and took them to the top of Group E with six points.
Simeone hails team’s passion and commitment
In his post-match press conference, Simeone said, “Today I liked everything about our performance. They played with a passion, and with a commitment, that is very difficult to achieve. We pressed well when we had to press. We sat back well when it was needed, and we were able to counter.”
Also Read: UEFA Champions League 2016-17: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Bayern Munich - 5 talking points
The Spanish team were in total control of the game, but many chances were spilled by the likes of Fernando Torres and a penalty was missed by French attacker, Antoine Griezmann.
On his team's performance against one of Europe's best attacking sides, Simeone said, “We suffered when we had to over the 90 minutes. We were up against an opponent which is one of the three best teams in the world. It was one of the best performances since I've been at Atletico Madrid.”
Bayern had a fair share of the ball but could not capitalise on it as Carlo Ancelotti tasted defeat in his first real test with the German champions.
Griezmann has quality, says Simeone
Griezmann has missed his share of penalties in the recent past, but Simeone has backed his star player and said, “Antoine has missed a penalty, as have Diego Maradona, Leo Messi, Michel Platini, Zico; the best players in the world. He will keep taking them. He has tremendous quality and nothing else.”
Next up for Atletico in the Champions League will be a trip to face Rostov, who drew 2-2 against PSV Eindhoven yesterday.
Atletico have been unlucky in winning the coveted European trophy in the recent past after failing at the final hurdle twice against their bitter rivals, Real Madrid.
In La Liga, Atletico Madrid visit Valencia, who are at the bottom of the table and have appointed Italian Cesar Prandelli as their new manager.