Atletico achieved the ´almost impossible´ in Barcelona win, says Simeone

Diego Simeone hailed Atletico Madrid for achieving the “almost impossible” to overcome Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana semi-finals.

Atletico stunned Barca with two goals in the final nine minutes in a 3-2 victory in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

Alvaro Morata’s penalty and Angel Correa’s strike saw Atletico into the final against rivals Real Madrid and the comeback was labelled as close to impossible by head coach Simeone.

“I think we must live it with calmness, that we qualified for the final. It is important for the supporters, it is important for the club, it is important for the players,” he told a news conference.

“It was a very tough game against one of the best teams in the world. They are the best when it comes to possession, and to attack with it.

“We suffered quite a lot during the first half. I think the second half was different, they kept their intensity and had chances until the 75tth minute, when something appeared that will always distinguish Atletico Madrid – the heart, the strength and the belief.

“We faced a difficult situation, almost impossible. But, we had the feeling that if we could get an equaliser, we could win the game, and that’s what happened.”