‘We played a good game and City played pre-history.’
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has claimed Manchester City played ‘pre-historic’ football in Wednesday night’s Champions League quarter-final tie.
Pep Guardiola’s side held on for a goalless draw at the Wanda Metropolitano to secure a 1-0 aggregate win, with Kevin De Bruyne’s goal in the first leg enough to send them through.
However, the fixture will be remembered for the ugly scenes that occurred after the full-time whistle, with Atletico’s Felipe being sent off and Stefan Savic clashing with several City players.
Atletico Madrid was unhappy with Pep Guardiola’s comments.
While Guardiola insisted on Wednesday that he had never criticised Atletico’s style of play – insisting “(Simeone) can play the way he wants” – the reigning LaLiga champions were annoyed by the Spaniard’s comments after the first leg, in which he spoke of ‘pre-history’ when discussing their 5-5-0 formation.
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo wasn't a fan of Man City's tactics against his club… pic.twitter.com/5xM9Y6TLjA
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Now, Atletico chief Cerezo has hit back at City. The 74-year-old told Radio Marca: “It was a match that, with a bit of luck, would have taken us to the semi-finals. We were not lucky enough to score a goal and reach extra time.
“We are a team that has a lot of status so that someone can offend us and in the end it has been shown that everyone has their pre-history. We played a good game, attacking, and City yesterday played pre-history, defending and put a wall in front of their goal so they wouldn’t score.
“Everybody has seen it. City was a completely defensive team. In the second half they shot on goal once. Yesterday it was shown that each one has their pre-history.”
‘Simeone cannot be criticised’ – Cerezo.
UEFA are expected to make charges following the disgraceful scenes in the latter stages of the match on Wednesday, with several people criticising Atletico boss Diego Simeone in the aftermath.
However, Cerezo has come to the defence of the manager, insisting he ‘cannot be criticised’.
“In the sporting and human aspect, Simeone cannot be criticised,” Cerezo said.
“He knows how to be in all situations. He will continue with us, his story is there, he is a winner and will be with us as long as he wants.”
Related links:
- Tunnel footage reveals ugly scenes between Man City and Atletico Madrid players after Champions League tie
- Man City and Atletico Madrid players clash during Champions League tie
- Pep Guardiola left stunned after Fernandinho reveals he’s leaving Man City in press conference
