Sports
EUROPA: Atletico players are heroes – Simeone
Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone has hailed his players as ‘heroes’ following their 1-1 Europa League semi-final first leg draw at Arsenal on Thursday night.
Despite the sending off of Sime Vrsaljko for two yellow cards in the ninth minute, the Spanish side held on strong with 10 men against 11.
Alexandre Lacazette did put Arsenal ahead on the hour mark, but the home side were punished as Antoine Griezmann rescued levelled both sides to put Atletico at advantage ahead of the second leg.
“To be honest, it was 90 minutes in which my body is filled with really strong emotions,” Simeone, who was sent to the stands during the game, told reporters, as cited by ESPN FC.
Read Also: EUROPA: Iwobi benched as late Atletico goal holds Arsenal; Marseille beat Salzburg
“I have to say that these players, they are basically heroes. They stood firm like they did after such a long season, when our squad is so short, they stood firm for 80 minutes.
“The stadium on Thursday really needs to be exploding with positive energy in order to reflect that passion. When you defend and defend and defend… You guys have no idea how difficult it is to defend.
“Football is about playing, and playing is the fun part, but defending, you really need to have balls to do that.”
Atletico will host Arsenal next week Thursday, as both sides will seek to earn a spot in the final of the Europa League.
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