De Gea piles on Atlético praise

Goalkeeper David de Gea was pleased Club Atlético de Madrid managed to contain Valencia CF at home, with a 0-0 draw sending Los Rojiblancos through to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.

Going into Thursday night's quarter-final second leg with two crucial away goals following the 2-2 draw at the Mestalla seven days earlier, Quique Sánchez Flores's side knew the onus was on the visitors to take the initiative at the Vicente Calderón. However, despite a frantic late effort from Unai Emery's men in which David Villa struck the crossbar, Valencia left the Spanish capital frustrated.

"We knew that a draw would do us and we managed to get a 0-0 so we're extremely happy," the 19-year-old told UEFA.com. "We played a good all-round game and we were secure at the back. When [Nikola] Žigić came on as a substitute it complicated matters a lot for us but we eventually managed to weather the storm and we're now looking forward to the semi-finals."

With Valencia menacing late on, two fine saves from the Spanish Under-21 international ensured it was Atlético who set up a semi-final date with Liverpool FC. "We were never worrying about who we'd have to play next and it still makes no difference to us," he said. "We have a great team and so do Liverpool but you can be sure we'll be giving everything we have in order to beat them."

Since taking over the No1 slot from summer signing Sergio Asenjo, De Gea has impressed with his mature displays yet even after a fifth consecutive shut-out on home turf the Atlético youth team product preferred to transfer the praise onto his defenders. "Our defence is spectacular at the moment – especially at home – and we're managing to put together some really great games," he concluded.