Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 7y

Diego Simeone 'very satisfied' after Atletico Madrid's lopsided win

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone praised his players' professional attitude after Wednesday evening's commanding 6-0 Copa del Rey last 32 first leg win at Segunda B side Guijuelo.

Atletico took a definitive lead even ahead of the second leg at the Estadio Vicente Calderon on Dec. 20 thanks to a Saul Niguez penalty, Sime Vrsaljko's first goal for the club, Yannick Carrasco's brace, Angel Correa's close-range finish and youngster Roberto Nunez's debut goal.

The Colchoneros coach told his postgame news conference that he was very happy with how his team had managed the first half and then countered cleverly after the break.

"I am leaving very satisfied," Simeone said. "The team showed a very good attitude. They did what they had to do. In the first half [Guijuelo] had lots of possession, but afterward the penalty we took advantage of the spaces very well."

Summer signing Nico Gaitan was very involved in what was just his fourth start since his €30 million arrival from Benfica.

"This is the first time [Gaitan] has played where he should play, on the left, but we have there Koke and Carrasco," Simeone said. "He has difficult but nice competition for a place. He showed talent, pace, a good reading of the game. I hope he keeps showing what he did today, and responds again when called to play."

Brazil Under-20 midfielder Caio Henrique started his first senior game for Atletico, while other goalscorer Roberto and fellow youngsters Olabe and Juan Moreno got second-half debuts against the third-tier side.

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