Diego Simeone pays Real Madrid the ultimate compliment after derby clash | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone was quick to sing the praises of Real Madrid, on the back of his side’s showdown with Los Blancos late this evening.

The latest edition of the Madrid Derby, of course, was contested a short time ago.

After Real emerged on the right side of the result in the Spanish Super Cup last week, it was Atléti who secured bragging rights this time round, courtesy of an eventual 4-2 triumph.

The Rojiblancos, marching on to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, have in turn kept their hopes of silverware for the season very much alive.

Speaking to the media post-match, it therefore came as little surprise to hear the aforementioned Diego Simeone full of praise for his triumphant squad.

Antoine Griezmann, who put the evening’s hosts in front in extra-time courtesy of a moment of individual brilliance, was singled out for particularly lofty acclaim:

“A magical footballer like Griezmann appeared,” Simeone explained. “He ended up nailing it at an angle. We are lucky to have him and we are lucky that he wants to be with us.”

And yet, it was not only his players whom Atlético’s boss was eager to show his appreciation for on Thursday night.

In addition, the Argentine afforded a special mention to the capital club’s cross-city rivals.

Drawn on the significance of his side’s latest achievement, Simeone went on to label Real Madrid, alongside Premier League champions Manchester City, ‘the best team in the world’:

Conor Laird | GSFN