Simeone hails Torres double
Former Liverpool and Chelsea striker fires Atletico to victory against Real in Copa del Rey
MADRID: Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone claimed Fernando Torres’s double to take the La Liga champions into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey at Real Madrid’s expense had proved the former Chelsea striker’s critics wrong.
Torres scored in the first minute of each half to ruin Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or celebrations as the Cup holders were dumped out 4-2 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Atletico will face Barcelona in the last eight after the Catalans completed an 9-0 aggregate win over Elche as goals from Jeremy Mathieu, Sergi Roberto, Pedro Rodriguez and Adriano sealed a 4-0 victory on the night at the Martinez Valero.
“When he came out of the academy he was a boy, too young for everything that happened then but he still responded well,” said Simeone.
“He went away, grew up and now is a man. I am very happy for him. In games like this he responds as he did.
“The fans are happy and his arrival has helped us, despite some people’s doubts.”
Torres was only handed a start due to an illness suffered by Mario Mandzukic in the day before the game, but his inclusion proved to be inspired as he slotted home from Antoine Griezmann’s cross after just 46 seconds.
Sergio Ramos levelled before the break, but Griezmann and Torres combined once more at the start of the second period before Ronaldo salvaged a draw on the night for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
Torres refused to hail his performance as his best in an Atletico shirt and reserved special mention for the part played by Griezmann in setting up both goals.
“To play at the Bernabeu is difficult. As soon as they equalised they could see a chance to go through, but the second goal allowed us closer to the finish line.
“We want to keep advancing in all competitions. We need to enjoy this moment because we are happy.
“It was a great game, but it is not my happiest day in Atletico shirt. I finished well today but it is thanks to Griezmann.”
Ancelotti lamented his side’s slow start to both halves, but believes elimination at such an early stage of the competition could help their defence of the Champions League.
“The key to the game was the two errors we committed at the start of each half, but we can’t forget other parts of the game like how we played in the first hour, which for me was spectacular,’’ he said.
“Now we have three weeks to prepare well for the Champions League and this is very good for the team.”