Diego Simeone talks Atlético Madrid's chances following loss to Barcelona: "We are alive"

Even with a negative result, Atlético Madrid goes home with a positive feeling.

Coach Diego Simeone spoke to the press in a post-match conference to review the Champions League quarterfinal first leg loss at Camp Nou to Barcelona. Despite the bad outcome, Simeone praised the process and how well his team played until Fernando Torres was sent off.

Simeone also promised that his team will give its life in the second leg, where a 1-0 win will be enough to see the Colchoneros through to the semifinals.

"I feel proud of my players and I'm happy to work with a team that give their lives in every game. They can come back from any situation. Any trees in the way, they try to jump over. They don't look for excuses.

"We played really well until the sending-off. Of course Barcelona had lots of chances in the second half and they cornered us in our area. It was difficult to get out. My players are really strong. They want to keep defending this shirt.

"We are alive. They had their chances and they could perhaps have scored more, but they didn't so that generates some expectations and gives hope to us and the fans who will come to the stadium next week.

"We always feel strong. We will try to give everything and all the players will give their best. It is very difficult to reach the semi-finals, but we will give it our all. We will probably feel this extra effort from today on Saturday.

"When I see the lads in the dressing room, they are all happy to play for this team. We need to find the best way to make the most of what we have done so far."

Source: UEFA.com