Simeone is confident Atletico will qualify at Old Trafford and admires Man United's goal

Atletico Madrid was heartbroken after failing to beat Manchester United in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 yesterday, but manager Diego Simeone found some solace in his team's strong performance.

The Spanish team dominated a match in which they advanced after seven minutes before Anthony Elanga equalized 1-1 near the end.

"It hurts," Atletico defender Jose Maria Jimenez told a news conference. "We were the best, the fiercest in the first half, we played great and could have scored more goals. It's disappointing not to win a game like this."

Simeone believes his team's performance was more important than the result.

"After the group stage ends, you can only win the Champions League with a draw," the Argentine coach said in the press conference, referring to the abolition of the away goal rule. "We must repeat many of the things we did.

There are a lot of positives It might seem like Manchester got an advantage, but it's still the same.

We have to start over at Old Trafford."

Atletico are struggling to defend the Spanish league title this season and are in fifth place, 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid.

"Good things like team play, pressing and defensive performance," Simeone said. "I am satisfied with what we have done. I am completely satisfied with the team's performance."

The Atletico coach praised United's efficiency and scored the equalizer ten minutes before the end when Bruno Fernandes passed the ball to substitute Ilanga.

"It was a good move from (United), especially from Bruno Fernandes, who showed an amazing vision from our only slip in the match."

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