Saúl: "We're not victims for landing Bayern in the draw"

Saúl Ñíguez scored a stunning goal in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich, which Atleti won 1-0, but he'd already said before the match that while Simeone's side were going to approach the match with "humility" they didn't see themselves as victims in anyway for having drawn Pep's side in the draw.

Asked if this would be a chance for Atleti to get revenge for the '74 final defeat? Saúl said: "Not at all, we're confronting this game as an opportunity for us to grow. We've got a lot of battles to get through and eagerness is something which none of us lack - either the team or the fans. We have to make sure it's a very different outcome this time".

As to what Atleti had to do to stop Bayern, the young midfielder said "What we always do: work as a team, fight to the death for every ball, treat the game as though it was a final". In effect exactly what they did in their 1-0 win, despite Bayern being on top for several spells in the second half.

Filipe Luis had claimed Bayern were the least appealing team in the draw, and Saúl agreed saying they were the most complete side, with a lot of variety to their game being able to attack through the middle or via the wings, and being strong in the air… "I'm with Filipe on that one". 

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As to Atleti's main objective (and whether it was avoiding conceding at home), Saúl was quite clear: "The objective is to win the game". Mission accomplished, thanks to his goal.

He was also asked to give his opinion on which competition Atlético are closer to winning - LaLiga or the Champions League? Saúl gave an answer inspired by Simeone: "We're going to battle for both of them. One step at a time."

A final question came: "Are Atleti victims of the draw?" The answer was clear: "We're not victims, we're taking on a top team and we're approaching the game with humility". And with a top strike from Saúl, winning it.