Atletico Madrid captain Koke defended his facet’s ill-tempered antics throughout their Champions League exit to Manchester Metropolis – although did hit out at alleged time-wasting from Pep Guardiola’s facet.
Metropolis progressed by means of to the Champions League semi-finals because of a 0-0 second-leg draw on the Wanda Metropolitano – to undergo 1-0 on mixture – in a resolute defensive show regardless of chaos rising on the finish of the tie.
Initially of 9 further minutes of second-half stoppage time, each units of gamers had been concerned in a mass scuffle after Felipe fouled Phil Foden close to the byline. Stefan Savic tried to select the injured Foden up off the ground, which triggered the scuffle, whereas the ex-Metropolis defender was additionally seen making an attempt to headbutt Raheem Sterling and pulled Jack Grealish’s hair.
Felipe, in the meantime, was proven a second yellow card for his sort out on Foden and position within the scuffle, however midfielder Koke claims Metropolis’s time-wasting antics allowed Atleti gamers to grow to be pissed off.
“The match takes you to that insanity if you see that you’ve possibilities they usually drop to the bottom and waste time,” the Atleti captain stated in a post-match interview.
Tempers boiled over late on on the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium
“Many occasions we’re criticised for this example, however as we speak it was them. Let’s have a look at what folks consider this. Right now it has been seen, we’re Atletico de Madrid and I’m pleased with this group.
“I am pleased with my team-mates for the trouble. I’ve nothing to reproach the group with. I am pleased with everybody and the followers, who’ve misplaced, stayed to applaud us after the sport. That is Atletico.”
Atleti had only a few possibilities to get again degree within the tie, with Ederson known as into motion solely as soon as within the Wanda Metropolitano leg. The Brazilian goalkeeper was compelled into an important cease in opposition to Angel Correa within the 102nd minute, in what was one of many last kicks of the match.
Felipe was despatched off for Atletico Madrid in opposition to Manchester Metropolis
Metropolis, in the meantime, had just one main likelihood to increase their mixture benefit when Ilkay Gundogan headed onto the put up within the first half, with Pep Guardiola’s facet defending for many of the second half.
Stones: Proud we stored our mood
Manchester Metropolis defender John Stones, in the meantime, admitted the mass brawl on the finish of the sport is “not good to speak about” however hailed his facet’s response to Atleti’s actions.
“We all know they often attempt to make issues occur like that and I feel we handled it very well,” stated Stones after the match. “It isn’t good to speak about that. I do not wish to dwell on that as a result of over two legs we performed unimaginable in opposition to such an skilled group in what they do.
“I am so pleased with the lads of how we managed our tempers. It is really easy to get drawn into stuff like that. So comfortable to be by means of and an incredible evening.
Man Metropolis gamers rejoice their achievement of qualifying
“We undoubtedly knew it isn’t a simple place to return. It is my first time right here and it is a hostile setting. It was a troublesome evening all spherical however how we defended and the way we managed ourselves was unimaginable.”
Stones additionally addressed claims that Foden, who was the sufferer for each of Felipe’s yellow card offences, was focused by Atleti’s gamers – however may solely reward the younger England worldwide for his efforts over the 2 legs.
“[They started] early doorways,” stated Stones about Atleti’s remedy of Foden. “Phil was such a risk in each video games, particularly when he got here on within the first time, an prompt impression.
“Then on this sport, he drove us up the pitch and gained us yards. He was excellent, he is feeling it after the sport now.”
Phil Foden was on the receiving finish of some sturdy remedy in Manchester Metropolis’s sport away to Atletico Madrid
Guardiola: We had been in large hassle with accidents
Metropolis boss Guardiola, in the meantime, admitted his facet struggled through the second half of Wednesday evening’s match, particularly after shedding two key gamers to damage.
The guests noticed Kevin de Bruyne come off and obtain remedy simply moments earlier than Kyle Walker hobbled off after clashing with Renan Lodi.
Metropolis have a FA Cup semi-final in opposition to Liverpool on Saturday and the damage blows to each gamers might not set them in good stead for that Wembley encounter.
“We had been in large hassle [with injuries],” stated Guardiola. “We will not neglect that we performed three days in the past. To play Liverpool, journey, come right here is troublesome.
“I do not know what is going to occur within the subsequent few weeks. Right now we are going to rejoice as a result of it is solely the third time Metropolis have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.
“Within the second half, they [Atleti] had been higher than us. The primary half we had the probabilities to do it however general we’re within the semi-finals. It is nicely deserved over the 2 video games.
“The opponent is so robust. All of the groups within the Champions League who come right here discover it robust. We concede only a few objectives however within the second half they had been higher. Within the 180 minutes, the final 25 minutes they had been higher.”
