The spotlight turned towards the young midfielder last night after he scored a sumptuous solo effort against Bayern Munich in the first leg of his side’s Champions League semi-final tie at the Vicente Calderon.
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Manuel Neuer, the keeper of Bayern Munich, says that his club must show more concentration in the second Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
Atletico’s latest victim was Bayern Munich, which was beaten 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday.
Atlético manager Diego Simeone was beaming with pride for the goalscorer, Saul, praising the star: “Everything that is happening to Saul is is his merit for insisting and believing in himself” Praise indeed from the boss.
“I think we’re going to have to be humble at this time and give everything we have to be at the best level to reach the final – that’s our dream”.
With one eye on next week’s second leg at the Allianz Arena, a wary Simeone added: “It’s an open tie”.
Bayern were more incisive in the second half, Alaba and Javi Martinez both failing to convert opportunities.
“The first 45 minutes was possibly the best version of this team, without looking to [the game against] Barcelona”.
“It was a great piece of individual skill with lots of creativity, Saul Niguez is developing well which is great for us”.
“Their goal is a brilliant goal, but it’s our mistake”. Unfortunately, we weren’t clinical enough in front of goal.
“I coach defending an terrible lot but I don’t think too many teams in the Premier League or in the world of football actually coach defending anymore, certainly not the full-backs”. We’ve got what we wanted which was to get the scoreline in our favour. When the ball went in we were clearly very happy.
Atletico’s French forward Antoine Griezmann also highlighted Niguez’s spectacular first-half goal.
Allardyce is no stranger to Atletico’s Fernando Torres, having been in the opposition dugout when the striker played for Liverpool and Chelsea.
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Despite being under the cosh for nearly the entire second half, Atletico were inches away from doubling their advantage when Fernando Torres struck the post 15 minutes from time.
