Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has insisted that he is "proud" of his players despite their exit from the Champions League at the hands of local rivals Real Madrid this evening.
Javier Hernandez scored the only goal of the tie with just two minutes left of the second leg at the Bernabeu, while Atletico had just 10 men after Arda Turan picked up a second yellow card with a little under 15 minutes remaining.
However, despite last season's runners-up being eliminated in the quarter-finals this time around, Simeone refused to criticise his side.
"I go away proud of my team. Once more we competed very well in a very difficult competition like the Champions League," the Argentine told reporters.
"Competing as we did today, I have sure I have a team of men, a team that work hard.
"At times we can play better or worse, but I am so proud of the players and to be the coach of these guys who gave what they gave today."
The result was the first time Real have beaten Atletico in eight meetings this season.
Barney Corkhill
