Diego Simeone was praised for his Atletico Madrid players for showing resilience in their exciting 4-4 draw against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.
After a lightning device in which Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann Atletico brought two goals for just six minutes after the game, Barcelona responded emphatically.
Hansi Flick's side ran in a 4-2 lead on the way to the last 10 minutes, only for late strikes from Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sorloth to seal a dramatic draw.
The tie is nice to take the semi -final second stage between the two sides in April and Simeone wants to build on their impressive show in the Camp Nou.
“What strikes most is the spirit of this team. There is an incredible gladiator spirit of the players who is inspiring,” the Argentinian told a press conference.
“Barcelona has extraordinary tools, but we have ours and we showed what we were made of.
“The celebration of the fourth goal was just an explosion of joy.
“The 4-2 Scoreline seemed difficult to turn and the courage of the players was incredible, to level the level and leave the return level on 2 April.
“The team showed a great character and worked a very strong competition, always with the same mentality and with a huge spirit of competition.”
This was indeed the first match in every competition between Barcelona and Atletico, which had at least eight goals since a 5-4 victory for the Azulgrana, also in the Copa del Rey, in March 1997.
Despite the prizes of his players, Simeone was still unhappy with some aspects of their performance, in particular their inability to defend two corners that have led to goals.
Pau Cubarsi went home from Raphinha's Set piece, before the Brazilian became the provider again with a different angle sent by Inigo Martinez just before the break.
“It is impossible for a team like Barcelona to end a match without scoring a goal, but what bothers me is when they score two goals from set pieces,” said Simeone.
“It is a matter of individual and collective efforts that we must correct.
“However, the game was not easy to play, but the boys showed a competitive mind that I am passionate about.”
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