The Colchoneros won the return match 1-0 thanks to a goal from Conor Gallagher in 30 seconds, but failed to do it enough in the end, losing 4-2 to penalties on the whole of the two matches.
Atlético achieved a performance of which coach Diego Simeone was very proud, as the coach clearly indicated after the match. According to Diario As, he analyzed the 120 minutes of play at the Metropolitano, believing that his team would have fully deserved the victory in the round of 16.
A pride for Simeone
“” I wouldn't talk about luck. I would rather speak of pride for the team we have, of our constant competitiveness, and this will remain engraved in the history of the club. It was a very controlled match at all times. We had opportunities to equalize, but we were not precise at the end of the season, they checked possession without creating opportunities. »» The penalty arrived, they missed it and I find that we made an incredible match.
“I am proud of our players. They always beat us in the Champions League, of course, but they have trouble, really harm. »» Simeone also reacted to controversy during the penalty shootout. Julian Alvarez's penalty was tried illegal by the Var team, who said that the Argentinian striker had touched the ball of the left foot and the right foot.
“The penalties are not drawn, they are different depending on the matches. I am told that Julian touches or does not touch the ball when he pulls – if the referee judges him, that's how it is. »»
