Diego Simeone believes Manchester City is the finest team in the world, and that Pep Guardiola surprised him with the technique that cost Atletico Madrid the game.
City controlled the ball against the Spanish champions but struggled to generate a clear chance until Phil Foden came off the bench and fed Kevin De Bruyne to give them a 1-0 lead going into the second leg.
Atletico didn't have a single shot the entire game, and will have to be significantly more daring next week in Madrid to advance.
Simeone chose to praise City after the game, citing Foden's arrival, along with that of Jack Grealish and Gabriel Jesus, as the turning point in the game.
He stated, " "A strong showing against an exceptional side that has managed to bring together a number of world-class footballers to make a formidable outfit.
We wanted to play solid defense, close gaps, and hit them on the counterattack.
"They scored just as we were about to create our best opportunities.
That was a tough match to win.
They pull three terrific players off the field and replace them with three equally excellent players.
"I must say, we expected Foden to take the field first.
I'll also admit that it's entertaining to watch City play.
Their patience is admirable.
However, we were both looking for the same thing: victory."
Simeone continued to compliment City ahead of their match at the Wanda Metropolitano next week, but promised more daring tactics from his side.
"They could be the best team on the planet," he remarked.
"In the second half of this tie, we'll vary our approach a little, but it'll be the same for them — City will play the same manner.
We'll compete, though, if we compete with humility and hard work.
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