Diego Pablo Simeone claimed in the newsroom that “the atmosphere” lived in the Vicente Calderón “was decisive” to move on to semifinals. Now more than ever, the team must “keep working with humility”.

An exhilarating start favoured Koke’s goal and three woodworks prevented the score from being higher.

Diego Pablo Simeone called all available players, except the injured Arda Turan, to receive Barcelona in the second leg match of the Champions qualifying round.

Diego Pablo Simeone stated that the team has the “responsibility” of pushing the match ahead. Furthermore, he pointed out, he expects “the best” Barcelona because “they are a team used to playing these type of matches”.

The home-grown Atlético admitted that the staff is “very excited” to get over a “historic” match. The concentration throughout the 90 minutes “will be key” in a match where the Atléticos will be as “passionate” as always.

The Atlético defence assured in the press conference that the team feels physically well and they’ll withstand until the season’s end.

Diego Pablo Simeone qualified the victory against Villareal as “important” due to the difficulties of a match where the stands “appeared” to give the team “strength and energy” at the end of the match.

Simeone’s players achieved a hard-earned victory with a goal by Raúl García in the first half. The team’s effort, along with the stands which were player number twelve, keeps Atlético as the BBVA League’s leader.

Diego Pablo Simeone has called all available players for the league encounter against Villareal in the Vicente Calderón. Samu, from the subsidiary, main novelty.