Tiago: Atlético's season is like a 'dream'

Club Atlético de Madrid were determined to savour their success in defeating Chelsea FC 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to reach their first European Cup final for 40 years. Diego Costa described it as a "privilege" while former Blues midfielder Tiago said it was an "unbelievable" achievement to have set up a UEFA Champions League decider with Real Madrid CF in Lisbon on 24 May.

Tiago, Atlético midfielder
Winning here is not easy. 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 – 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.

Chelsea's goal did not change anything. We knew that it could happen, but we also knew that with one goal we were in [control]. After the penalty we killed the game – we controlled the ball, we scored a second goal – and I think we were the best team on the pitch.

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.

Facing Real Madrid does not make it extra special – the Champions League final is special in itself. We know each other very well, but we have a lot of time to think about the final. We have to concentrate on the final we have on Sunday.

Diego Costa, Atlético forward
Chelsea attacked us more this evening because they were playing at home. We knew the game would be different, but we coped well. We will enjoy the final because you do not always get these kind of privileges. We will do everything we can to win. The UEFA Champions League is special, but against Real it will be even more special.

Filipe Luis, Atlético defender
They started on the front foot, but we kept calm. The equalising goal was decisive – it was the first time we had an advantage in the tie. We always play in the same way, defending strongly and breaking on the counterattack. After Diego Costa scored, we felt more comfortable and had more of the ball. The final will be a spectacular game. Real Madrid have the best squad in the world, so it will be difficult, but everyone dreams of winning the UEFA Champions League, so we will do our best.

Miranda, Atlético defender
We celebrated a lot after the game because getting to the UEFA Champions League final is not something you do every day. The team prepared well and now we will enjoy the moment.