Atlético happy but Beşiktaş still believe

Club Atlético de Madrid forward Eduardo Salvio expressed joy at scoring his first UEFA Europa League goals of the season in the 3-1 defeat of Beşiktaş JK but warned that the round of 16 tie is far from over after former Rojiblancos favourite Simão volleyed in a second-half away goal.

Facing his old club, the Portuguese midfielder was delighted with the reception he received on his return to the Estadio Vicente Calderón, while team-mate Manuel Fernandes expected the Black Eagles' fans to play a big part in next week's second leg.

Eduardo Salvio, Atlético forward
I am thrilled with the result and the goals I scored. I always try to give my all. Everything worked out well, especially in the first half. The hard work must continue as there is still a lot to fight for in this tie. I really appreciate that our coach Diego Simeone is continuing to show confidence in me. The return game will be very difficult and the tie is still very open.

Saúl Ñiguez, Atlético midfielder
This is the most special day of my life. I don't think I have ever enjoyed a moment quite like it. When I joined Atlético I often thought about the day I would make my debut, but when I saw that I was in the squad for this game I almost couldn't believe it. It is something special. It is important that people here want players to come up through the ranks. In the dressing room we were very happy as we achieved an important win, but the focus must now shift to the return match where we will have to work as hard as we did here.

Juanfran, Atlético forward
We played a great game and put in an excellent first-half display. The scoreline could have been a lot bigger in our favour but, despite that, we are happy to have finished ahead in the tie. We know that the tie is not yet settled so we will prepare for a big performance in Istanbul next week.

Simão, Beşiktaş midfielder
It is lovely that the fans here are still fond of me. I think I was very professional during my time at Atlético and if they remember me I cannot ask for more. My second-half goal gives us a lifeline. We could have scored a second but then again we could also have conceded more in the first half. We stood up to Atlético after the break. The return in Istanbul will be difficult but it is still all to play for. They have a two-goal advantage and it will not be easy making up that difference against a team playing at a high level. In spite of that, our goal gives us hope.

Manuel Fernandes, Beşiktaş midfielder
We are not in good form and you could see that from our first-half display. Even more than winning or losing, we needed to show some character and in the first half that was not the case. We improved in the second half but it was not enough. Let's see how things go for us at home. Our intention will be to at least give a better account of ourselves. If we didn't believe we could come back then we wouldn't bother playing the second leg. A 2-0 win for us is possible, even though Atlético are a good side. We have to believe. Our fans are excellent and they will have an important role to play in Istanbul.