Atletico Madrid have signed versatile Argentina defender Nahuel Molina from Udinese on a five-year contract, the LaLiga club announced on Thursday. Financial details were not disclosed but local media reports said he cost about 20 million euros ($20.29 million).

Primarily a right back, the 24-year-old Molina also played at wing back for Udinese last season, scoring seven goals with two assists in Serie A. "I`m very happy for this step in my career, that Atleti have taken notice of me and to have the chance to play here is a dream," he said. "From my side there will always be responsibility, sacrifice and everything that represents this club."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;Women's Euro 2022: Hosts England cruise into final with thumping win over Sweden in semi-finals

Molina is Atletico`s third signing of the close season after winger Samuel Lino and midfielder Axel Witsel. He will strengthen the right back options for Diego Simeone`s side who lost Kieran Trippier to Newcastle United in January. Molina made played nearly 70 games in all competitions for Udinese in two seasons after joining from Boca Juniors` youth team.

His impressive performances earned him a debut with Argentina in 2021 and he now has 16 caps, having helped his country win the Copa America last year. 
Atletico, who finished third last season, begin the new campaign with a trip to Getafe on Aug. 15.

Atletico Madrid have signed versatile Argentina defender Nahuel Molina from Udinese on a five-year contract, the LaLiga club announced on Thursday. Financial details were not disclosed but local media reports said he cost about 20 million euros ($20.

Atletico Madrid have signed versatile Argentina defender Nahuel Molina from Udinese on a five-year contract, the LaLiga club announced on Thursday. Financial details were not disclosed but local media reports said he cost about 20 million euros ($20.29 million). Primarily a right back, the 24-year-old Molina also played at wing back for Udinese last season, scoring seven goals with two assists in Serie A. "I`m very happy for this step in my career, that Atleti have taken notice of me and to have the chance to play here is a dream," he said. "From my side there will always be responsibility, sacrifice and everything that represents this club." ALSO READ | Women's Euro 2022: Hosts England cruise into final with thumping win over Sweden in semi-finals Molina is Atletico`s third signing of the close season after winger Samuel Lino and midfielder Axel Witsel. He will strengthen the right back options for Diego Simeone`s side who lost Kieran Trippier to Newcastle United in January. Molina made played nearly 70 games in all competitions for Udinese in two seasons after joining from Boca Juniors` youth team. His impressive performances earned him a debut with Argentina in 2021 and he now has 16 caps, having helped his country win the Copa America last year. Atletico, who finished third last season, begin the new campaign with a trip to Getafe on Aug. 15.

Atletico Madrid sign Argentina defender Nahuel Molina from Udinese on five-year contract

On Tuesday (July 25), Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Carrington and joined the Manchester United camp for training ahead of the new EPL season. Ronaldo was set to have a discussion with new manager Erik ten Hag regarding his future at the club. Despite the talk, it seems Ronaldo is still keen to leave Man United and start afresh in a new club.

Ronaldo remains adamant to leave the Red Devils and join a club where he can compete for major titles. With United finishing sixth in the last EPL season, he will miss Champions League football as well for the 2022/23 season. Earlier, the Portuguese captain had missed the club's&nbsp;pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, for personal reasons, which raised speculations of his exit.

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No changes yet for Cristiano Ronaldo situation. Manchester United insist he’s not for sale, Cristiano told ten Hag in the last 24h that he still wants to leave. 🚨🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> 
 
His agent Jorge Mendes will try again to find a solution. Waiting strategy on, as last year with Juventus. <a href="https://t.co/6CjzS8WSdA">pic.twitter.com/6CjzS8WSdA</a>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1552359745360650241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-discussed-the-issue-bayern-munich-ceo-oliver-kahn-explains-why-club-wont-sign-cristiano-ronaldo-501159">'We discussed the issue': Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn explains why club won't sign Cristiano Ronaldo</a>

Hence, Ronaldo and Erik had a discussion but it seems there hasn't been any change of plans from the former's end, as per a report in English media. Despite him not being willing to stay back at Man United, he trained professionally as ever and the team environment also remains positive. Nonetheless, the superstar footballer's keenness to join somewhere else remains the biggest roadblock. Thus, his agent Jorge Mendes is still on his toes to find a new club for Ronaldo.

While many top clubs have not shown much interest, due to financial constraints or other factors, it seems Ronaldo has no choice but to play the waiting game for now.

On Tuesday (July 25), Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Carrington and joined the Manchester United camp for training ahead of the new EPL season. Ronaldo was set to have a discussion with new manager Erik ten Hag regarding his future at the club.

On Tuesday (July 25), Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Carrington and joined the Manchester United camp for training ahead of the new EPL season. Ronaldo was set to have a discussion with new manager Erik ten Hag regarding his future at the club. Despite the talk, it seems Ronaldo is still keen to leave Man United and start afresh in a new club. Ronaldo remains adamant to leave the Red Devils and join a club where he can compete for major titles. With United finishing sixth in the last EPL season, he will miss Champions League football as well for the 2022/23 season. Earlier, the Portuguese captain had missed the club's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, for personal reasons, which raised speculations of his exit. No changes yet for Cristiano Ronaldo situation. Manchester United insist he’s not for sale, Cristiano told ten Hag in the last 24h that he still wants to leave. 🚨🔴 #MUFC His agent Jorge Mendes will try again to find a solution. Waiting strategy on, as last year with Juventus. pic.twitter.com/6CjzS8WSdA — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2022 × ALSO READ | 'We discussed the issue': Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn explains why club won't sign Cristiano Ronaldo Hence, Ronaldo and Erik had a discussion but it seems there hasn't been any change of plans from the former's end, as per a report in English media. Despite him not being willing to stay back at Man United, he trained professionally as ever and the team environment also remains positive. Nonetheless, the superstar footballer's keenness to join somewhere else remains the biggest roadblock. Thus, his agent Jorge Mendes is still on his toes to find a new club for Ronaldo. While many top clubs have not shown much interest, due to financial constraints or other factors, it seems Ronaldo has no choice but to play the waiting game for now.

Cristiano Ronaldo keen to exit Manchester United, club maintains he is not for sale: Report

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Manchester and joined the Manchester United camp on Tuesday (July 26). The superstar footballer touched down in Manchester along with his superagent&nbsp;Jorge Mendes to hold talks with new manager Erik ten Hag regarding his future with the Red Devils, ahead of the commencement of the new EPL season.

As per various reports, Ronaldo is eager to cut short his stay at the premier club -- with one year still remaining in his contract -- after the Red Devils failed to make a mark in the last EPL season, ending sixth and missing out on Champions League football for the 2022/23 season. Thus, Ronaldo is eager to be associated with a club where he can compete in the Champions League and, hence, the 37-year-old isn't happy with how things have panned out for him in his ongoing second innings at the club. Thus, reports suggest that the Portuguese captain has&nbsp;handed in a transfer request. His absence from Man United's pre-season tour of Bangkok and Australia for personal reasons&nbsp;further raised speculations of his exit.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-transfer-saga-striker-reaches-england-likely-to-hold-talks-with-man-united-over-his-future-500775">Cristiano Ronaldo transfer saga: Striker reaches England, likely to hold talks with Man United over his future</a>

On Tuesday, Ronaldo held his future talks with Erik and it was rumoured that Sir Alex Ferguson, former boss of Man United, was also part of the meeting. However,&nbsp;here's the truth behind all such claims.

CEO Richard Arnold and Sir Ferguson were present&nbsp;at Carrington but for different reasons.&nbsp;The Manchester Evening News reveals that&nbsp;Arnold's visit was a pre-planned affair and had nothing to do with being part of the meeting involving Ronaldo. On the other hand, Ferguson was present for a football board meeting.&nbsp;

Ferguson had played a part in convincing Ronaldo to return to the Old Trafford club last year, when there were speculations of him joining Manchester City from Juventus. Ever since Ronaldo's transfer saga started making the headlines, many clubs such as Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Athletico Madrid, PSG, etc. have been reported to have held talks with his agent. However, there is no strong taker for Ronaldo till now due to financial constraints or other reasons.

Will Ronaldo stay firm at Man United? Only time will tell...&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Manchester and joined the Manchester United camp on Tuesday (July 26). The superstar footballer touched down in Manchester along with his superagent Jorge Mendes to hold talks with new manager Erik ten Hag regarding his future with the Red Devils, ahead of the commencement of the new EPL season.

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Manchester and joined the Manchester United camp on Tuesday (July 26). The superstar footballer touched down in Manchester along with his superagent Jorge Mendes to hold talks with new manager Erik ten Hag regarding his future with the Red Devils, ahead of the commencement of the new EPL season. As per various reports, Ronaldo is eager to cut short his stay at the premier club -- with one year still remaining in his contract -- after the Red Devils failed to make a mark in the last EPL season, ending sixth and missing out on Champions League football for the 2022/23 season. Thus, Ronaldo is eager to be associated with a club where he can compete in the Champions League and, hence, the 37-year-old isn't happy with how things have panned out for him in his ongoing second innings at the club. Thus, reports suggest that the Portuguese captain has handed in a transfer request. His absence from Man United's pre-season tour of Bangkok and Australia for personal reasons further raised speculations of his exit. ALSO READ | Cristiano Ronaldo transfer saga: Striker reaches England, likely to hold talks with Man United over his future On Tuesday, Ronaldo held his future talks with Erik and it was rumoured that Sir Alex Ferguson, former boss of Man United, was also part of the meeting. However, here's the truth behind all such claims. CEO Richard Arnold and Sir Ferguson were present at Carrington but for different reasons. The Manchester Evening News reveals that Arnold's visit was a pre-planned affair and had nothing to do with being part of the meeting involving Ronaldo. On the other hand, Ferguson was present for a football board meeting. Ferguson had played a part in convincing Ronaldo to return to the Old Trafford club last year, when there were speculations of him joining Manchester City from Juventus. Ever since Ronaldo's transfer saga started making the headlines, many clubs such as Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Athletico Madrid, PSG, etc. have been reported to have held talks with his agent. However, there is no strong taker for Ronaldo till now due to financial constraints or other reasons. Will Ronaldo stay firm at Man United? Only time will tell...

Was Alex Ferguson part of Ronaldo's meeting with Ten Hag over his Man UTD future? Here's the truth

Will Cristiano Ronaldo stay put at Manchester United or will the superstar footballer join a new club? This remains a burning question in the football fraternity ahead of the commencement of the new EPL season. While at first it was believed that the Portugal captain will stay at the Red Devils, the situation has turned quite a lot as the 37-year-old is reportedly keen to start afresh in a new club. After Man United finished sixth last season, they will miss out on&nbsp;Champions League football for 2022/23 season, hence, Ronaldo is keen to make a move.

When Ronaldo's teammate and Man United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was asked about the Portuguese superstar's future with the club, the 27-year-old also remained puzzled. "I don't know what Cristiano said to the club and to the manager,"&nbsp;Fernandes said recently. "I don't know what's going on in his head, if he wants to leave. I didn't ask them that," he opined.

"From everything we know. He had some family problems so we have to respect his space, give him some space and that's it. The only thing I asked Cristiano when he didn't turn up was if everything was OK with the family. He told me what was going on, that's it and nothing more," Fernandes added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-back-out-from-signing-ronaldo-from-man-united-due-to-financial-constraints-report-499050">Atletico Madrid back out from signing Ronaldo from Man United due to financial constraints: Report</a>

Ronaldo has not been part of the Erik Ten Hag-led Man United in their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, citing personal reasons. While the team has shown some good signs ahead of the new season, many reports have stated that his agent&nbsp;Jorge Mendes is trying to get his most famous client a new club.&nbsp;

Erik, the Red Devils' manager, remains confident that Ronaldo is not going anywhere, and he remains an integral part of the United squad, many reports have thrown in various clubs -- such as Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Athletico Madrid, PSG, etc. -- as possible options for the veteran footballer. However, as of now, no club has shown a lot of interest -- due to financial constraints and various other factors.&nbsp;

Will Cristiano Ronaldo stay put at Manchester United or will the superstar footballer join a new club? This remains a burning question in the football fraternity ahead of the commencement of the new EPL season.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo stay put at Manchester United or will the superstar footballer join a new club? This remains a burning question in the football fraternity ahead of the commencement of the new EPL season. While at first it was believed that the Portugal captain will stay at the Red Devils, the situation has turned quite a lot as the 37-year-old is reportedly keen to start afresh in a new club. After Man United finished sixth last season, they will miss out on Champions League football for 2022/23 season, hence, Ronaldo is keen to make a move. When Ronaldo's teammate and Man United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was asked about the Portuguese superstar's future with the club, the 27-year-old also remained puzzled. "I don't know what Cristiano said to the club and to the manager," Fernandes said recently. "I don't know what's going on in his head, if he wants to leave. I didn't ask them that," he opined. "From everything we know. He had some family problems so we have to respect his space, give him some space and that's it. The only thing I asked Cristiano when he didn't turn up was if everything was OK with the family. He told me what was going on, that's it and nothing more," Fernandes added. ALSO READ | Atletico Madrid back out from signing Ronaldo from Man United due to financial constraints: Report Ronaldo has not been part of the Erik Ten Hag-led Man United in their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, citing personal reasons. While the team has shown some good signs ahead of the new season, many reports have stated that his agent Jorge Mendes is trying to get his most famous client a new club. Erik, the Red Devils' manager, remains confident that Ronaldo is not going anywhere, and he remains an integral part of the United squad, many reports have thrown in various clubs -- such as Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Athletico Madrid, PSG, etc. -- as possible options for the veteran footballer. However, as of now, no club has shown a lot of interest -- due to financial constraints and various other factors.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo remain at Manchester United? Bruno Fernandes shares his take

Atletico Madrid knocked Manchester United out of the Champions League and moved into the quarter-finals after a 41st-minute header from Brazilian Renan Lodi gave them a 1-0 (2-1 aggregate) win at Old Trafford on Tuesday. It was a typical display of the kind of gritty defending and swift counter-attacking for which Diego Simeone`s Atletico side have been known while United, for all their pressure, were unable to create enough quality opportunities to get themselves the goal they needed.

United are left to focus on a Premier League campaign where they face a real battle to make the top four and earn a place in next year`s Champions League. The Spanish champions may not be favourites to reach the final in Paris on May 28 but none of the teams in the last eight will be hoping to be drawn against them. 
After Saturday`s win over Tottenham Hotspur, inspired by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick, there was a positive mood around Old Trafford and the night began brightly for United with Anthony Elanga forcing a fine reflex save out of Jan Oblak with a near post flick from a Bruno Fernandes cross.

United`s Spanish keeper David de Gea then produced an outstanding diving save to push wide a long range effort from Rodrigo De Paul. Joao Felix then had the ball in the net, tapping in a cross from Marcos Llorente but the effort was ruled out for offside.

There was no reprieve though for United, though, when after a trademark Atletico counter-attack, a clever flick from Joao Felix found Antoine Griezmann whose cross was nodded in at the back post by Lodi. 
United argued that the move had followed a foul on Elanga deep in Atletico`s half but referee Slavko Vincic waved away their protests. Fernandes ended the half with a fierce shot that again tested Oblak to the full and raised hopes among the home support ahead of the second half. United, as expected, poured forward after the break in search of an equaliser but there was little design or craft to their attacks.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cristiano-ronaldo-to-paul-pogba-superstars-who-can-leave-manchester-united-this-year-462244">From Cristiano Ronaldo to Paul Pogba: Superstars who can leave Manchester United this year</a>

LACK OF CREATIVITY 
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick threw on forwards as he sought the breakthrough bringing on Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani to play up front with Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho. 
But his decision to take off Fernandes in the 67th minute left the team short of creativity and their attacks were increasingly just one dimensional charges at the Atletico back-line.

Captain Harry Maguire was taken off, to cheers from the home support, as Rangnick threw on Spanish winger Juan Mata but the nearest United came to an equaliser was a fine header from Raphael Varane that had Oblak at full stretch. It was scrappy and at times cynical from Atletico in the latter stages but their disciplined defence held firm for the victory that sends them into the last eight.

"We want to go far in the competition and it`s incredible to still be in it. It`s important for us to still be in the Champions League in what`s an up-and-down season," said midfielder Koke. "For me, Jan Oblak is the best goalkeeper in the world. He`s shown it once again tonight." Rangnick was upset with the refereeing of the game but had few complaints about his team`s performance.

"I think we played a very good first half - exactly the way we wanted to play with a high energy level but we couldn`t convert that into one or two goals," he said. "Conceding that counter-attacking goal just before halftime didn`t make life any easier. It was hard in the second half and always interrupted. There was always somebody lying on the floor. "I would also say some curious refereeing decisions. I wouldn`t say they were decisive but at least he fell too often for those time-wasting antics."

Atletico Madrid knocked Manchester United out of the Champions League and moved into the quarter-finals after a 41st-minute header from Brazilian Renan Lodi gave them a 1-0 (2-1 aggregate) win at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Atletico Madrid knocked Manchester United out of the Champions League and moved into the quarter-finals after a 41st-minute header from Brazilian Renan Lodi gave them a 1-0 (2-1 aggregate) win at Old Trafford on Tuesday. It was a typical display of the kind of gritty defending and swift counter-attacking for which Diego Simeone`s Atletico side have been known while United, for all their pressure, were unable to create enough quality opportunities to get themselves the goal they needed. United are left to focus on a Premier League campaign where they face a real battle to make the top four and earn a place in next year`s Champions League. The Spanish champions may not be favourites to reach the final in Paris on May 28 but none of the teams in the last eight will be hoping to be drawn against them. After Saturday`s win over Tottenham Hotspur, inspired by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick, there was a positive mood around Old Trafford and the night began brightly for United with Anthony Elanga forcing a fine reflex save out of Jan Oblak with a near post flick from a Bruno Fernandes cross. United`s Spanish keeper David de Gea then produced an outstanding diving save to push wide a long range effort from Rodrigo De Paul. Joao Felix then had the ball in the net, tapping in a cross from Marcos Llorente but the effort was ruled out for offside. There was no reprieve though for United, though, when after a trademark Atletico counter-attack, a clever flick from Joao Felix found Antoine Griezmann whose cross was nodded in at the back post by Lodi. United argued that the move had followed a foul on Elanga deep in Atletico`s half but referee Slavko Vincic waved away their protests. Fernandes ended the half with a fierce shot that again tested Oblak to the full and raised hopes among the home support ahead of the second half. United, as expected, poured forward after the break in search of an equaliser but there was little design or craft to their attacks. ALSO READ | From Cristiano Ronaldo to Paul Pogba: Superstars who can leave Manchester United this year LACK OF CREATIVITY Interim manager Ralf Rangnick threw on forwards as he sought the breakthrough bringing on Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani to play up front with Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho. But his decision to take off Fernandes in the 67th minute left the team short of creativity and their attacks were increasingly just one dimensional charges at the Atletico back-line. Captain Harry Maguire was taken off, to cheers from the home support, as Rangnick threw on Spanish winger Juan Mata but the nearest United came to an equaliser was a fine header from Raphael Varane that had Oblak at full stretch. It was scrappy and at times cynical from Atletico in the latter stages but their disciplined defence held firm for the victory that sends them into the last eight. "We want to go far in the competition and it`s incredible to still be in it. It`s important for us to still be in the Champions League in what`s an up-and-down season," said midfielder Koke. "For me, Jan Oblak is the best goalkeeper in the world. He`s shown it once again tonight." Rangnick was upset with the refereeing of the game but had few complaints about his team`s performance. "I think we played a very good first half - exactly the way we wanted to play with a high energy level but we couldn`t convert that into one or two goals," he said. "Conceding that counter-attacking goal just before halftime didn`t make life any easier. It was hard in the second half and always interrupted. There was always somebody lying on the floor. "I would also say some curious refereeing decisions. I wouldn`t say they were decisive but at least he fell too often for those time-wasting antics."

Atletico Madrid win at Old Trafford to knock out Cristiano Ronaldo-starrer Manchester United

Spain's World Cup-winning striker Fernando Torres announced his retirement from football on Friday, bringing an end to a glittering 18-year career.

Torres, who scored more than 100 goals across two spells at his boyhood club Atletico Madrid, also played for Premier League sides Liverpool and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/chelse-lift-the-europa-league-cup-as-hazard-scores-twice-as-parting-gift-222736&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj97JHClvriAhWUF4gKHXYxBoYQFjABegQIDxAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2d1vrXl284nxWNRm-H5k34">Chelsea </a>and Italy's AC Milan.

He left Atletico to join Japan's Sagan Tosu in July last year but has struggled to hit the heights of his best days at Atletico and Liverpool at the J-League side.

"After 18 exciting years, the time has come to put an end to my football career," the 35-year-old wrote on Twitter, adding that he would hold a news conference in Japan on Sunday to explain his decision.

Torres made his Spain debut in 2003 and scored the winning goal in the 2008 European Championship final against Germany before helping his country win their first World Cup in 2010.

He was the top scorer at Euro 2012 as Spain successfully defended their title and scored 38 goals in 110 appearances for his country in total, making him Spain's country's third-highest goalscorer behind David Villa (59) and Raul (44).

Torres enjoyed his the most prolific spell at Liverpool between 2007 and 2011, netting 81 goals in 142 games across all competitions.

He moved to Chelsea from Liverpool for a then British record fee of 50 million pounds ($63.49 million) and won the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League with the London club.

Spain's World Cup-winning striker Fernando Torres announced his retirement from football on Friday, bringing an end to a glittering 18-year career. Torres, who scored more than 100 goals across two spells at his boyhood club Atletico Madrid, also played for Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea and Italy's AC Milan.

Spain's World Cup-winning striker Fernando Torres announced his retirement from football on Friday, bringing an end to a glittering 18-year career. Torres, who scored more than 100 goals across two spells at his boyhood club Atletico Madrid, also played for Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea and Italy's AC Milan. He left Atletico to join Japan's Sagan Tosu in July last year but has struggled to hit the heights of his best days at Atletico and Liverpool at the J-League side. "After 18 exciting years, the time has come to put an end to my football career," the 35-year-old wrote on Twitter, adding that he would hold a news conference in Japan on Sunday to explain his decision. Torres made his Spain debut in 2003 and scored the winning goal in the 2008 European Championship final against Germany before helping his country win their first World Cup in 2010. He was the top scorer at Euro 2012 as Spain successfully defended their title and scored 38 goals in 110 appearances for his country in total, making him Spain's country's third-highest goalscorer behind David Villa (59) and Raul (44). Torres enjoyed his the most prolific spell at Liverpool between 2007 and 2011, netting 81 goals in 142 games across all competitions. He moved to Chelsea from Liverpool for a then British record fee of 50 million pounds ($63.49 million) and won the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League with the London club.

Fernando Torres, Spain's World Cup-winning striker announces retirement

La Liga set for big finish despite Barcelona procession

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is renowned for his wild touchline antics but a shrewd tactical move with a triple substitution swung Wednesday's Champions League game against Juventus firmly his side's way.

With the last-16 first leg delicately poised and goalless as the hour mark approached, the Argentine introduced forwards Angel Correa, Alvaro Morata and Thomas Lemar, and the Spanish side went on to win 2-0.

Morata had a goal ruled out to the fury of the home supporters for a push on Giorgio Chiellini but a breakthrough finally came when defender Jose Gimenez scored after a knockdown by Morata from a corner whipped in by Lemar.

Diego Godin doubled Atletico's lead following a well-worked free kick, giving Simeone's side a huge advantage over the runaway Serie A leaders ahead of the return leg in Turin next month.

"They all knew about the substitution, I called Correa, Lemar and Morata together, and Koke and (Diego) Costa knew they were not able to play 90 minutes," Simeone told a news conference.

"They all played brilliantly after coming on and played as a team. Doing what we have done over these years is not easy, and today we did it again."

Simeone still made headlines for his wild behaviour on the touchline, however, putting his hands on his trousers in a provocative celebration after Gimenez had broken the deadlock.

"It means we are brave," he said. "You have to be brave to start Costa and Koke after they hadn't played for over a month, and that's what I did.

"I feel so great because of these players. They represent the true meaning of Atletico. This is what we are and we aren't going to change. It's our style."

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri criticised his side for switching off in the closing stages and for not showing patience.

"Atleti came out much more aggressively with set-pieces and caught us by surprise. We knew it would be tough, that Atletico force you to play badly, to play slowly, they have been playing this way for eight years," he said.

"Atletico can play for 85 minutes defending and playing long balls and we fell asleep and were second best. If anyone came here wanting to enjoy themselves they picked the wrong night."

Juventus defender Alex Sandro will be suspended from the second leg in Turin after getting a yellow card, while Atletico will be without Costa and Thomas Partey through suspension.

"There will be great disappointment after this result but we can turn the tie around," Allegri added.

"It will not be easy, we will need a great performance but it can be done and we must believe in ourselves."

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is renowned for his wild touchline antics but a shrewd tactical move with a triple substitution swung Wednesday's Champions League game against Juventus firmly his side's way.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is renowned for his wild touchline antics but a shrewd tactical move with a triple substitution swung Wednesday's Champions League game against Juventus firmly his side's way. With the last-16 first leg delicately poised and goalless as the hour mark approached, the Argentine introduced forwards Angel Correa, Alvaro Morata and Thomas Lemar, and the Spanish side went on to win 2-0. Morata had a goal ruled out to the fury of the home supporters for a push on Giorgio Chiellini but a breakthrough finally came when defender Jose Gimenez scored after a knockdown by Morata from a corner whipped in by Lemar. Diego Godin doubled Atletico's lead following a well-worked free kick, giving Simeone's side a huge advantage over the runaway Serie A leaders ahead of the return leg in Turin next month. "They all knew about the substitution, I called Correa, Lemar and Morata together, and Koke and (Diego) Costa knew they were not able to play 90 minutes," Simeone told a news conference. "They all played brilliantly after coming on and played as a team. Doing what we have done over these years is not easy, and today we did it again." Simeone still made headlines for his wild behaviour on the touchline, however, putting his hands on his trousers in a provocative celebration after Gimenez had broken the deadlock. "It means we are brave," he said. "You have to be brave to start Costa and Koke after they hadn't played for over a month, and that's what I did. "I feel so great because of these players. They represent the true meaning of Atletico. This is what we are and we aren't going to change. It's our style." Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri criticised his side for switching off in the closing stages and for not showing patience. "Atleti came out much more aggressively with set-pieces and caught us by surprise. We knew it would be tough, that Atletico force you to play badly, to play slowly, they have been playing this way for eight years," he said. "Atletico can play for 85 minutes defending and playing long balls and we fell asleep and were second best. If anyone came here wanting to enjoy themselves they picked the wrong night." Juventus defender Alex Sandro will be suspended from the second leg in Turin after getting a yellow card, while Atletico will be without Costa and Thomas Partey through suspension. "There will be great disappointment after this result but we can turn the tie around," Allegri added. "It will not be easy, we will need a great performance but it can be done and we must believe in ourselves."

Champions League: Diego Simeone outsmarts shell-shocked Juventus with triple change