APOEL proving themselves at top level

APOEL FC defender Paulo Jorge believes his side "deserve to be congratulated" after securing their second point in UEFA Champions League Group D against Club Atlético de Madrid.

Lead cancelled out
On Wednesday night, APOEL – who held Atlético to a 0-0 draw in their debut Champions League game – got off to a dream start when Nenad Mirosavljević tapped in from close range on five minutes. But the visitors were on top from thereon and Simão's powerful strike secured a 1-1 draw that keeps third-placed Atlético one point ahead of APOEL in Group D. APOEL must now win at Chelsea FC on 8 December to have any chance of UEFA Europa League football.

Proving themselves
However, while APOEL may be facing a European exit, they have impressed in their campaign, beaten by only one goal by both Chelsea and FC Porto and now taking two points off Atlético. "We have shown that we too have a good team and I think everyone is satisfied with what we have done in the Champions League," Paulo Jorge said. "We deserve to be congratulated. Obviously we would have wanted more but we still deserve to be congratulated." Fellow defender Marios Elia rued letting their lead slip on Wednesday night. "Unfortunately due to an unlucky moment and a cross, we conceded an equaliser," he said. "We tried to respond, but didn't manage to score. But in the end, I think it is positive that we didn't lose this game. Overall, we put on a good performance."

Simão satisfied
Like APOEL, Atlético knew at kick-off that the best they could aim at was third place, and captain Simão was relieved with the point that kept them in that position, even though his side was in change for most of the 90 minutes. "It was a very difficult match," the striker said. "We started off by conceding a goal but we controlled almost the whole match and we had opportunities. We're satisfied with the draw, but we would have liked to have won." A Matchday 6 win at home to Porto would ensure European football in the spring for Atlético, and Juanito added: "I think it was a good match, quite balanced. We had more opportunities and more possession, but we couldn't get the victory. But I believe that the draw will prove enough."