Gabi praises confident Atlético after Porto triumph

Club Atlético de Madrid's players emitted a sense of quiet satisfaction after their first UEFA Champions League win at FC Porto at the fifth attempt, taking them top of Group G.

The Spanish visitors' captain Gabi led the way, creating both his side's goals – scored by Diego Godín and Arda Turan – from set pieces to overturn a half-time deficit. He spoke of his in-form side's confidence, while team-mate Cristián Rodríguez underlined the status of a win at his consistently successful former club. Porto pair Josué and Danilo regretted "a lack of concentration", and the latter is already looking forward to "decisive" games against FC Zenit.

Gabi, Atlético midfielder
They started very strongly, and we knew it was a decisive period in the game, but we never let our heads drop, and in the end we are very happy with the win. The second goal? Yes, we spend a lot of time working on these routines. We never had the chance to try this one in a game yet but I saw the opportunity and it worked out well.

The atmosphere in the dressing room is one of great confidence. We are working really hard to qualify, and this is the fruit of our efforts. We know that the Champions League is very difficult, especially away from home, but if we win this next one we will be very close.

Cristián Rodríguez, Atlético midfielder
Without doubt, winning at Porto is a really great victory. They are a great team and they have won a lot of titles. I am really pleased with the work of all my team-mates. It is a very happy night.

In the first half it was tough as Porto pressed us hard. In the second half it was a lot better. It is true that this will always be a second home for me. I was here for four years and lucky enough to experience some great moments, winning a lot of titles. I still have a lot of friends here.

Josué, Porto midfielder
We started very well, very strongly, and we scored the first goal. We had chances to score the second but we were not able to do so. In the second half I think we got a bit stuck in the centre of the pitch, but it is important we get our heads up now for the games to come. I do not think we tired. It was a lack of concentration, which was our own fault. The game against Zenit? All the remaining games are important.

Danilo, Porto defender
We have to be more consistent. We started really well, we were physically strong, focused and got the opening goal. Afterwards our rhythm dropped, and we cannot let that happen. We were playing a quality team who could use that to make the difference.

We lost some important points here, so we have to try hard to recover. The games against Zenit are decisive. This defeat has cost us, but we have to move on. We still have a good chance of qualifying and carrying on in the competition. We are aware of this. The level is high and the games against Zenit will be difficult, so we have to be prepared.