Agüero relieved to see off Rosenborg

Club Atlético de Madrid forward Sergio Agüero said the UEFA Europa League holders had their sights on the knockout phase after Quique Sánchez Flores's side responded to a slow Group B start with a 3-0 triumph over Rosenborg BK.

Uruguayan defender Diego Godín set Los Rojiblancos on their way to a first group victory with a well directed 18th minute header. Yet despite dominating for large periods thereafter, the hosts struggled to see off Nils Arne Eggen's side until Agüero's introduction in the 65th minute, the Argentinian starring with a goal and later an assist for a third from Diego Costa.

"We needed those three points more than anything as we were bottom of the standings and a draw or a defeat just wouldn't do," the 22-year-old explained. "The victory is more than welcome and helps alleviate any anxiety."

It was Agüero's first match in nearly a month because of an ankle injury and his recovery had been hampered a gluteus muscle problem. Admitting he still wasn't "100% match fit", the former CA Independiente striker was happy with his contribution.

"The most important thing is being able to do well when you come onto the pitch and I know I must perform to a high standard in every game to help my team and to repay the affection the fans continue to show me," he said.

"We had chances to finish off this game in the first half but we didn't do it. During the break we agreed to get even more of the ball and to be more assertive in front of goal when the chances came our way. There is still a long way to go but our objective after this result is to qualify for the next phase as soon as possible."

Now looking upwards at Atlético, Aris Thessaloniki FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen from the bottom of Group B, Rosenborg defender Mikael Dorsin told UEFA.com his team will only be thinking about victory when Atlético visit Trondheim on 4 November.

"We are a different prospect at home and if we beat them the group remains wide open," the captain explained. "We didn't deserve to lose 3-0 tonight. We hit the post and had two further opportunities to score but in a game against world-class players you can't afford to miss."