Atletico Madrid were second best in all departments as they were outsmarted by Julian Nagelsmann’s men at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Leipzig took a deserved lead on the 50th minute mark through Barcelona academy product Dani Olmo, only for substitute Joao Felix to equalize after 21 minutes, but the Germans restored their lead during the dying embers of the game to book a date with Paris Saint-Germain in the competition’s last four.
In an interview with Movistar after the game, Koke admitted Leipzig deserved to progress as his team were not up to their opponent’s level in Lisbon.
“They were better, they did not allow us to match their intensity," the Spaniard said.
"At all times they were better, they had more possession. They were better, faster and more intense.”
“When they are better, you try to give your all and if things do not work out, you have to congratulate your rival and reflect.”
"When we were better, at 1-1, their second goal came.”
"On the field, there are times when you are better and others worse. Coldly, when we analyse the game, we will see where we have failed and what we have lacked.”
“We have to get up to try again next season.
"When you lose you are hurt and sad. This is a different competition, with a single game, and in three games you could win a Champions League.”
"We have had bad luck for the second goal, that's how football is. We were very excited about this Champions League and we have to get up as we always do."
