The France international netted in each half to put Diego Simeone's men into the last-four, but he paid tribute to the Colchoneros' ferocious backline as the real heroes
Atletico Madrid matchwinner Antoine Griezmann highlighted the performance of their rearguard as Diego Simeone's dogged team held firm to beat Barcelona 2-0 on Wednesday and secure a Champions League semi-final spot.
Griezmann gave Atletico the lead towards the end of a cagey first half with a neat header and then, with Barca piling on the pressure, he added a second from the penalty spot late on.
The visitors should have been given a penalty themselves shortly after but Gabi's handball only resulted in a free-kick and Atletico ultimately survived.
Despite getting the two goals himself, though, Griezmann acknowledged the contribution of the Atletico defence.
He told BeIn Sport: "It is normal to suffer, we were against Barcelona. We pressed well up front and after the first goal we were very strong at the back, the whole team played very well defensively and I'm very proud of this team.
"We knew it would be different here. We've worked really hard defensively. We deserve it.
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