Atlético Madrid came out on top in a somewhat testy first leg against Sporting Clube de Portugal thanks to a great all-around effort from the team, particularly in the first. Koke caught Sporting cold and scored in the opening minute, while Antoine Griezmann added another right before halftime. After the match, Griezmann and Diego spoke about the healthy lead Atlético enjoy currently in this tie.

Diego Simeone

On the match and the second leg away from home:

“It was a tough and complicated match, but we knew how to interpret the game. We pressured well in Sporting’s half of the field and were able to create opportunities.

“I think the tie isn’t settled. They have a balanced team. A tough match awaits in Lisbon and their fans are going to make themselves present. We have to be smart.

“The 2-0 is important — as long as we play [in Lisbon] like we did here.”

On Diego Costa’s play:

“Since Costa came back that’s the best match he’s played. He’s been an animal. He ran, he participated in the goals, he pushed hard and he maintained his discipline throughout the game.”

Antoine Griezmann

On the match and the second leg away from home:

“The fans wanted the win and they pushed us. I think that’s why we scored in the first minute. We wanted to pressure up top and then we worked hard to keep a clean sheet.

“We won’t rest. We have to be attentive. It’s a complicated match...they’re a tough team and we’re going to have a difficult time in Lisbon.”

“We really want to win [the Madrid Derby] and we’ll give it our all.”

Jan Oblak

On keeping the clean sheet:

“The sensations are always good, I wish it were always like that. We can be happy with the result.”

On Atlético’s status as Europa League favorites:

“In a competition like this, we’re the favorites, but the favorites don’t always win. We go game by game and we have to win until the end.”