Atletico Madrid managed to take all three points from their Sunday lunchtime clash with Valencia, but Diego Alves' two penalty stops - to extend his LaLiga record to 19 saves from the spot - made it a far tougher afternoon for Diego Simeone's side than it needed to be.
The Argentine coach was quick to praise the Brazilian's quick reflexes after the match, offering particular praise for his acrobatic palming away of Antoine Griezmann's first half effort.
"I think Diego Alves' first penalty save was wonderful, and he deserves credit," the coach said.
"I want to congratulate the goalkeeper because if Valencia had managed to get a draw then it would have been 90% because of him."
Simeone explained that he was extra proud of his players given that they overcame those spot kick setbacks to grind out a positive result.
"It isn't easy to play at this stadium, especially with Valencia coming into this match after two wins and full of enthusiasm," he said.
"The penalties motivated them even more, but our players are incredible.
"We showed constant and unstoppable effort."
In addition, the 46-year-old highlighted teamwork as the key to victory before the players took to the field.
"I got the players together and I told them that our strength is our teamwork," the Argentine revealed.
Finally, Los Rojiblancos' coach was asked to comment on Valencia's hiring of Cesare Prandelli, who was in attendance on Sunday.
"I have seen that as a coach he has good ideas and that he comes to the club eager to get to work," Simeone said.
"I wish Prandelli and Valencia the best of luck."
Following the impressive away win, Atletico have a break in their schedule due to the international fixtures, with their next appointment against Granada on October 15.
here were two sides to the coin when Atletico Madrid missed not one but two penalties against Valencia on Sunday.
Winning the game 2-0, the scoreline could have been far more comfortable for Los Rojiblancos at the Estadio Mestalla.
Antoine Griezmann continued his awful run from the spot when Alves clawed away his effort just before the break, making it three penalties in a row missed by the Frenchman.Awarded another spot-kick with 20 minutes left on the clock, Gabi shouldered the responsibility and was himself denied by the Valencia keeper.
For Alves, it marked an incredible 19 penalties saved in LaLiga from a total of 41 faced.
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