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Diego Simeone hails 'unbelievable' achievement after Atletico Madrid reach Champions League final

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Diego Simeone says their Champions League final appearance is just reward for Atletico Madrid's hard work over the last 4 years

Diego Simeone hailed Atletico Madrid's "unbelievable" achievement after they beat Bayern Munich on away goals to reach the Champions League final on Tuesday.

Atletico, who lost to city rival Real Madrid in the 2014 final, progressed on the away goals rule with an aggregate score of 2-2 after winning the first leg of their semi-final in Madrid 1-0.

Xabi Alonso gave Bayern a first-half lead but Antoine Griezmann's crucial strike after the break ensured Robert Lewandowski's late header was not enough for the hosts, and after the game Simeone praised another strong defensive display from his side.

Atletico Madrid players celebrate qualifying for the final after the UEFA Champions League semi-final, second-leg
Image: Atletico Madrid players celebrate making the final after the final whistle at the Allianz Arena

"I really have to say we played against the best team I have faced in my whole career. It was unbelievable how they played," said Simeone. "It's unbelievable what we have achieved.

"It was great to see my team play with such intensity. When Bayern missed their penalty, we had a good chat in the half-time break and we coped with the pressure they put on us in the second half.

"We achieved our goal, we have seen that we are a very strong team, but we were really good defensively."

Draw sends Atletico through
Draw sends Atletico through

Atletico Madrid's 2-1 reverse away to Bayern Munich was enough to take them through on away goals.

Simeone also singled out Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak and Bayern's Manuel Neuer for their penalty saves to deny Thomas Muller and Fernando Torres respectively.

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"They were two great saves by the goalies, I have to say how difficult it is to cope with this situation at Bayern, playing away from home," he continued.

The Atleti manager, whose side defeated Barcelona in the quarter-finals, added: "We have played against two of the three best teams in Europe. We've knocked them out, and I'm very proud of that."

Real Madrid face Manchester City at the Bernabeu in the other semi-final with their tie poised at 0-0, meaning a Real victory would set up a repeat of the 2014 final.

Atletico Madrid's French forward Antoine Griezmann
Image: Antoine Griezmann scored Atletico's only goal at the Allianz Arena

But Torres insisted his side would not be out for revenge, adding: "We want to write history. We have not won this trophy and we do not care who it will be, whether Real or Manchester City.

"It was not about revenge for 1974 tonight nor is the final about revenge. It is a new chance and maybe we can write some memories."

Pep's Euro woe
Pep's Euro woe

Bundesliga brilliance has not translated into Champions League success for Pep Guardiola.

Griezmann added: "They were better, but we scored an away goal, which was important. We need to keep grounded and first of all think of La Liga before the final.

"We're delighted. It was difficult, a really hard game, we had a great opponent in front of us and we had to both defend and try to score. That's what we did."

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