Diego Simeone was generous with his praise after seeing Atletico Madrid qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in 17 years.

Atletico beat AC Milan 4-1 on Tuesday night to record a 5-1 aggregate win in the last-16 tie, and Simeone admits that it was a special night for every member of his squad.

"We started better than them in the first half and it seemed that we would go on and control the game after the first goal but they got back into it," Simeone told members of the press. "However, my players were excellent in the second half.

"I am happy for the players and the fans. It is a night to remember. I am proud of sharing it with a team who try so hard in every single match."

Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois claimed that the team's home form will give them confidence against any side in the competition.