Simeone: We know how to struggle to a win

The Argentine was happy with his side's hard-
fought 2-1 win over Granada on Thursday as he
believes it proves they are up for the challenge to
remain in the top two of La Liga
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone was
delighted his team overcame Granada in La Liga on
Thursday despite not playing their best football.

Simeone's side needed spot kicks from Diego
Costa and David Villa before a late sending off of
Atletico's Filipe Luis and a goal to Granada's Odion
Ighalo made for a nervy finish in their 2-1 victory.
Granada dominated on the ball, holding 68 per
cent of the possession, but Simeone was
impressed with his players' resilience in obtaining
the three points.

"I am left with the impression that team gave me,
which is that they know how to struggle when they
have to and still manage to win, because we are
going to have to struggle to stay in the position we
are just now," Simeone said after the match.
"Penalties are part of the game and winning away
from home is difficult."

Atletico are now one point behind Liga leaders
Barcelona after 11 games but Simeone maintained
that he would keep the players focused week-to-
week.

"I am very happy for the effort the players have
shown, it is not easy to keep winning, but we are
not thinking further than the match against Athletic
Bilbao on Sunday," he added.