Diego Simeone remains ‘confident’ Atletico Madrid can continue in the Champions League after a home defeat to Milan. ‘Whoever deserves it will go through.’
Junior Messias came off the bench to decide the game with a header on Franck Kessie’s cross at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Champions League | Atletico Madrid 0-1 Milan: Messias keeps Diavolo alive
“I do not agree that it was a bad performance and I have nothing to reproach the team,” insisted Simeone in his press conference.
“Both teams tried to attack in the first half, we did well defensively and in attack didn’t always make the right choices, but the same is true of Milan. We had a great chance to equalise with Matheus Cunha, who went just wide.”
If Milan beat already-qualified Liverpool in the final match, then Atleti risk going out of the Champions League in the group phase.
“We’ve had tougher campaigns, so I continue to remain optimistic and confident. You can’t get away with anything in the Champions League, we’ve still got every chance of qualifying. Whoever deserves it will go through.
“I’m as optimistic as ever. We’re alive and kicking.”
From delivering fridges to playing in Serie D in 2015, before working his way up each stage of the Italian football pyramid to eventually join Milan! 📈
30-year-old Junior Messias bags their winner away against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League! What a story! ✨#UCL pic.twitter.com/v1oOPS7Ori
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 24, 2021