Atlético Madrid 3-0 Lleida Esportiu: Post-match comments

Atlético Madrid swatted aside Lleida for the second time in a week, this time notching a 3-0 win at a sparsely-populated Estadio Wanda Metropolitano to move on to an all-top flight Copa del Rey quarterfinal stage. The 7-0 aggregate thrashing was set into motion by an explosive second half which saw Yannick Carrasco, Kévin Gameiro and new boy Vitolo all score.

Vitolo, Augusto Fernández and Diego Simeone all spoke after the game and expressed optimism about the team’s growth.

Diego Simeone

On Vitolo’s performance:

“He played a good match, adapting to the team’s needs. The football coming from him is very clear: good control, passes between the lines, transitioning between attack and defense.”

On Diego Costa’s early impact:

“I have no doubt that he is the most important player we’ve signed over the last few years.”

On a potential run to the cup final:

“We go game-by-game. We know the difficulties that arise mainly at the quarterfinals with the best teams. We’ll await the draw.”

Augusto

On rumors linking him with a move away:

“I live for today, and today I am happy and content at Atlético.”

On his current fitness level following his injuries:

“I’m fine. I use every game and every training to get to the level I want so that I can help the team. I feel very good physically and in a footballing sense and I’m available to the coach.”

Vitolo

On preparing for his first Atlético start:

“When the coach told me I was going to start, I felt prepared. At first, being in a new dressing room is difficult, but I’ve been treated well and the group is great. That’s the key to success at Atleti.”

On the competition for places:

“For a team to be successful, it’s essential that there is competition and nobody relaxes. That will raise the team’s level. With each touch you must give the maximum. As players, we like these challenges.”