Skip to content

Diego Simeone insists Atletico Madrid's semi-final tie with Bayern Munich is still open

Diego Simeone head coach of Atletico Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg match v Bayern Munich
Image: Diego Simeone is refusing to get too excited with Atletico's 1-0 first-leg win over Bayern Munich

Diego Simeone insists the tie remains open, despite Atletico Madrid's 1-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg win over Bayern Munich.

Saul Niguez's superb effort in the 11th minute was enough to hand the La Liga side the advantage at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday night.

Bayern came into the game in the second half but were unable to beat Jan Oblak, and Simeone is aware that home advantage will be on the Germans' side on Tuesday at the Allianz Arena.

Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid celebrates
Image: Saul Niguez celebrates the only goal of the game

"It's an open tie," said the Atletico boss. "Playing in Munich means they have their fans behind them and home advantage, but we have a chance to get an away goal. 

"It will be a close game like today, and we'll see who makes the most of their chances."

Though Fernando Torres hit the post late on, Bayern dominated possession after half-time in the Spanish capital.

Report: Atletico 1-0 Bayern
Report: Atletico 1-0 Bayern

Saul Niguez gave Atletico Madrid a vital 1-0 win over Bayern Munich

Simeone insists his side felt comfortable in the first period, and will need to take that performance into the second leg.

Also See:

"The first half was very close to what we wanted," he said. "We got in front, felt comfortable. In the second half, they were better, had lots of possession, and they got in behind us.

Manuel Neuer can't stop Atletico Madrid taking the lead
Image: Manuel Neuer couldn't stop Atletico Madrid taking the lead

"We defended well, but it was a different game in the second half. We had a key chance in the second half but I think the first half was closer to what we wanted."

It was Niguez's superb individual run and effort that won it, and the 21-year-old Spaniard, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the British press, has delighted Simeone.

"It was a great piece of individual skill and creativity," he added. "He is a player who is developing well, and has been great for us."

Live La Liga Football

Around Sky