Diego Simeone is relishing getting Barcelona back to Vicente Calderon after Atletico Madrid’s 1-1 Champions League draw with the Catalans.
Diego Ribas put Atleti in front at Camp Nou only for Neymar to equalise, and El Cholo told his post-match Press conference that Neymar’s goal was the only dampener on an otherwise fine night.
“The team did a great job in a match of two different styles. Everyone did their best,” Simeone said.
“I’ll repeat what I said [before the game]: If I say we’re favourites, I come off as arrogant. If I say it’s 50-50 or still open, I sound like I’m playing the victim.
“We’ll compete against them because the last matches have been good.
“I’m very happy with the effort and the result, but it is still open. The return leg will be difficult and exciting.”
Digeo Ribas was brought into the game as a replacement for Diego Costa, who went off injured, and Simeone said the midfielder stepped up at a crucial time.
“He had a complete game and I’m happy. I and the team needed him,” Simeone said.
“[Thibaut] Courtois had a great game too. So did Diego, Gabi, the whole team. It’s just a shame Neymar scored.”
Costa had been an injury doubt before the match although some speculated Atletico were exaggerating the forward’s injury to throw Barca off their preparations.
“Now you see I wasn’t lying, Costa had a problem,” Simeone insisted.
“We’ll wait and see what the tests say about how long he’ll be out. In the meantime we’ll use Raul Garcia, David Villa and Adrian.”
