Diego Simeone has credited the Atletico Madrid fans with playing a part in his team's 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League.

Los Rojiblancos were given a rousing reception both inside and outside the Wanda Metropolitano as they arrived for the first leg of the last 16 tie.

"We started to win the game when we got to the roundabout on the way to the stadium," Simeone said in his post-match press conference.

"The reception was impressive. In the eight years I've been at the club, I haven't seen a reception like it."

The hosts took an early lead through Saul before frustrating Liverpool with a compact performance.

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"It was the game we were expecting, with a very strong opponent, with different styles on the pitch, with very physically strong players, but we responded very well at the start and then we played the game that we had to play to keep the result," Simeone said.

"We had chances on the counter attack to score more.

"We're a team that plays as a group. If the attackers hadn't participated in the defensive work, the team wouldn't have done what it did.

"It was a good job by everyone. It was a tough, difficult game against a great opponent, but it was clear what the objective was."

Despite having the advantage, El Cholo knows how tough the second leg will be at Anfield.

"The tie is what it was at the start, against an opponent who are used to great matches at their home," he said.