Simeone says Barcelona are 'better' than Atletico after reaching quarters

Diego Simeone praised Barcelona as the best attacking side in Europe after Atletico Madrid secured a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. Atletico progressed 7-5 on aggregate over Tottenham but had to withstand periods of pressure, losing the second leg 3-2 when Xavi Simons converted a last-minute penalty.

Turning his attention to the next opponent, Simeone did not mask his view of the hierarchy. "Barcelona is better than us, but it will push us to compete, hopefully, in the best way possible," he said. "We're trying to compete with Barcelona, who are the team we're drawn against.

I have no doubt that they are the best attacking team in Europe. The possibility of a quarter-final against them is a high-level challenge and will demand that level from us." The win marked the eighth time in 13 years that Simeone has taken Atletico to the Champions League quarter-finals.

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