Diego Simeone's side have had plenty of admirers this term, impressing on both the domestic and European stages.
Atletico sit at the top of the Primera Division standings as the season enters the home straight and will now take on city rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 24.
They secured their place in Lisbon with an impressive 3-1 win at Chelsea in the semi-final second leg, where captain Tiago, who made 52 appearances for the Blues between 2004 and 2005, shone in midfield.
"Winning here is not easy," the former Portugal midfielder said. "We played well against a very good team and we are very happy to get to the final.
"We knew that if we scored a goal the situation for Chelsea would become more difficult.
"Scoring before half-time was very important for us as it gave us confidence. In the second half we were able to play in the spaces behind the Chelsea defence and we are very strong when we play like that.
"It is unbelievable for us to play this final. On Sunday, we have another 'final' against Levante and maybe we have a possibility to win the league title as well. This season is a dream."
Boyhood Atletico fan Fernando Torres had opened the scoring for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, only for Adrian to draw the visitors level before half-time.
Arda Turan struck after reported Blues target Diego Costa's penalty to make it 3-1 in the second half, with the latter proud of his side's display in west London.
"We've done everything to be in the final," Costa said. "We justly deserve to be in the final.
"The team was calm. Torres scored a goal but we knew a goal from us was worth double. The team has been amazing."
0 comments: