Simeone Insists the Figures Prove It All as Atletico Advance

Even after a 3-2 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur Atletico secured a 7-5 aggregate victory to arrange a quarter-final matchup against Barcelona.

"At times words are unnecessary the figures say it all" Simeone explained to journalists.

"This is a time for celebration for the club for the squad and for the delight of our supporters who will cheer this progress to the quarter-finals. Reaching this stage means a challenging path ahead just like in past instances when we made it to the final."

With a three-goal advantage from the previous match in Madrid Atletico complicated matters for themselves on Wednesday yet strikes from Julian Alvarez and David Hancko steadied things as Tottenham pushed for a reversal.

"The commitment was immense. The squad struggled at the outset the lead of three goals played against us. We levelled then it became 2-1 we levelled once more we created opportunities to seal it and finally there was the decisive spot-kick. The tie ending level was fair" he added.

Barcelona outperformed Atletico in the round of sixteen netting eight goals across their fixtures versus Newcastle United with seven coming on Wednesday.

The top team in LaLiga enters as favourites for the last eight but Simeones group draws confidence from their two-part success against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

"It will be tough as we take on Europes strongest offensive side but we will bring the drive to fight" Simeone noted.

Following their narrow escape at Tottenham Atletico has scant opportunity to relax.

They travel to Real Madrid in LaLiga this weekend and then encounter Barcelona three occasions in their upcoming four fixtures post international break once domestically and twice in the Champions League.