Diego Simeone has silenced the doubts surrounding his work in the early months of the season. Now, he is receiving praise for Atlético Madrid's excellent performance, as they sit second in La Liga and have already qualified for the next round of the Champions League.

Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone has continued his spat with his Real Madrid counterpart Carlo Ancelotti. Simeone implied that refereeing decisions have gone Madrid's way for "100 years" when asked about their 5-2 Copa del Rey home win over Celta Vigo last week, with the away side not awarded a penalty after appealing for one.

Piero Hincapie had put Leverkusen a goal up in the first half, following Pablo Barrios' red card for Atleti, which had looked like it put the visitors on course for victory