Simeone Targets Champions League Glory After Atlético Dump Barcelona
Diego Simeone has declared that Atlético Madrid are ready to challenge for the UEFA Champions League title after eliminating Barcelona to reach the semi-finals, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Rojiblancos suffered a 2-1 defeat in the second leg at home but progressed 3-2 on aggregate, having secured a crucial 2-0 victory at Camp Nou in the first leg.
Atlético, who are yet to win Europe’s elite club competition, will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.
Speaking after the match, Simeone expressed confidence in his team’s ability to go all the way this season.
“We’ll go into it with all our hope, with total belief. We know the strengths we have and our flaws,” he said.
“We’re ready. We’re going to go after what we’ve been chasing for many years.”
Simeone, who has been in charge of Atlético for over a decade, previously guided the club to Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016, both of which ended in defeat to rivals Real Madrid.
Reflecting on the club’s journey under his leadership, the Argentine coach highlighted the team’s consistency at the highest level despite several rebuilds.
“It’s been fourteen years now, it still excites me to see that the team keeps competing,” Simeone added.
“The players have changed, we’ve had to start over a bunch of times, and here we are again among the four best teams in Europe.”
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