Simeone: We deserve Copa advantage
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone insists Thursday's 2-1 win over Sevilla in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final was the right result.
By FOX SPORTS staff
In an incident-packed match at the Vicente Calderon that produced three penalties and three red cards, it was Atletico's Diego Costa who opened the scoring in the 49th minute, only for Alvaro Negredo to equalise seven minutes later when the visitors were awarded a spot-kick of their own.
However, a handball by Fernando Navarro in the 70th minute left the referee with no alternative but to point to the spot once more, allowing Costa to fire home what proved to be the winner.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Simeone admitted he was pleased with his side's spirited performance.
"The result was fair and it ended well," he said. "It was a good match.
"The best was the first half and our reaction after the equaliser. We rushed to get up on the scoreboard."
The ex-Argentina international singled out Cristiano Gonzales for praise after a tireless display by the winger.
"It was a great game from him," Simeone added. "He neutralised the numerical advantage in midfield and also drew the penalty."
Simeone took over at the helm of Atletico in December 2011 and has already led them to two titles - the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup.